Stages of a Policy Cycle

Today, more than ever before, shifting social, economic, and political dynamics is forcing policy-makers, program-developers and stakeholders to continuously evaluate their programs or risk failure. An evaluation, according to Fink (1995), is a thorough investigation of a program’s fundamental characteristics and merits. The importance of program evaluation in the policy cycle can never be underestimated.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Stages of a Policy Cycle specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Among other things, an evaluation provides formative feedback that inarguably assists to guide the program during the implementation phase. A program evaluation also provides summative information that demonstrates the effectiveness and efficiency of the program towards achieving its stated goals and objectives (Royse et al., 2010). This information is fundamentally needed to create an enabling environment t hrough which policy-makers can optimize the outcomes, overall efficiency, and quality of the program. Royse et al (2010) asserts that an evaluation allows policy-makers and other interested parties an opportunity to analyze a program’s or project’s structure, key activities, and organization in addition to probing its political and social environment. This is done to assemble evidence that will enable interested parties to make objective conclusions about the impact of certain interventions. Fink (1995) stresses this point by arguing that â€Å"†¦program evaluation can be used also to appraise the achievement of a project’s goals and objectives and the extent of its impact and costs† (p. 2). Lastly, policy-makers may undertake a program evaluation if there arises need to make a decision relating to a particular intervention within the program. Reference List Fink, A. (1995). Evaluation for Education and Psychology. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publication s, Inc. Kopp, R.J., Krupnick, A.J., Toman, M. (1997). Cost-Benefit Analysis and Regulatory Reform: An Assessment of the Science and the Art. Web. Kosiak, S. (2006). The Cost of U.S. Military Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through Fiscal Year 2006 and Beyond. Center for Strategies and Budgetary Assessments. Web.Advertising Looking for research paper on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Rai, M. (2002). War Plan Iraq: Ten Reasons against War with Iraq. London: Arrow Publications Royse, D., Thyer, B.A., Padgett, D.K. (2010). Program Evaluation: An Introduction. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth This research paper on Stages of a Policy Cycle was written and submitted by user Cannon Ortega to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.