scholarly journals Following the Evidence Practice: An Analysis of Evaluation Studies on EU Railway Policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 785-803 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio De Francesco
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Evaluation Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Better Regulation ◽  
Analytical Perspective

AbstractSince the end of the 1990s, scholars have been paying particular attention to the link between evidence and policy because of the rise of evidence-based policy making and better regulation in the European Union political agenda. Documents such as evaluation studies are material traces of professional practice and the knowledge production process. Through the analytical perspective of evaluation practice, this contribution has two purposes. First, it differentiates three modes of evaluation theory and practice. Second, through a systematic content analysis of 52 evaluation studies of EU railway policy, it presents an overview of general patterns in the use of evaluative theories and practice. Besides contributing to the literature of evidence and policy practice, the article provides recommendations for EU evaluation and better regulation guidelines.

Navigating Theory and Practice Through Evaluation Fieldwork

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill Anne Chouinard ◽  
Ayesha S. Boyce ◽  
Juanita Hicks ◽  
Jennie Jones ◽  
Justin Long ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Cultural Dynamics ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Reflective Journals ◽  
The Social ◽  
The World ◽  
The Relationship

To explore the relationship between theory and practice in evaluation, we focus on the perspectives and experiences of student evaluators, as they move from the classroom to an engagement with the social, political, and cultural dynamics of evaluation in the field. Through reflective journals, postcourse interviews, and facilitated group discussions, we involve students in critical thinking around the relationship between evaluation theory and practice, which for many was unexpectedly tumultuous and contextually dynamic and complex. In our exploration, we are guided by the following questions: How do novice practitioners navigate between the world of the classroom and the world of practice? What informs their evaluation practice? More specifically, how can we understand the relationship between theory and practice in evaluation? A thematic analysis leads to three interconnected themes. We conclude with implications for thinking about the relationship between theory and practice in evaluation.

The 'presence' of evaluation theory and practice in educational and social development: toward an inclusive approach

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murray Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Social Policy ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Evaluation Design ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Inclusive Approach ◽  
The Voice

This paper outlines a vision of evaluation and its place in social and educational policy and practice. It focuses on the 'presence' of evaluation in theory, organizational learning and internationalization and the 'voice' of participants in the evaluation process drawing on a range of examples of evaluation practice. It argues for an 'inclusive' evaluation stance from a moral/political standpoint and from the standpoint of sound evaluation design. It offers evaluation as a way of promoting and depicting the effects of social policy on its recipients and concludes by suggesting the way evaluations can promote 'provisional stabilities' for those experiencing rapid and complex change.

An examination of the value of the Victorian Government's investment logic map as a tool for front-end evaluation of investment proposals

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Doty
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Program Logic ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Front End ◽  
Management Standard

This article considers a tool called an ‘investment logic map’ which was developed by the Victorian Government Department of Treasury and Finance to assist in testing the rationale for proceeding with investment proposals (particularly information and communications technology investments) while they are still at an early stage of development. The article views this tool through the lens of evaluation theory and practice, and situates the investment logic map within the practice of front-end evaluation. From this perspective, the article considers some of the drawbacks of the investment logic map as an example of program logic. The article argues that, because of the pivotal role the investment logic map plays in the management and review of investments through their lifecycle (as part of the government's broader Investment Management Standard), it needs to be underpinned by more robust evaluation practice. The article concludes by suggesting a way in which the strengths of the investment logic map can be retained, while reducing the risks inherent in its current use.

Why Evaluation Theory Should Be Used to Inform Evaluation Policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 490-508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina A. Christie ◽  
Sebastian Thomas Lemire
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Work ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Evaluation Policy ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Formal Evaluation ◽  
Evaluation Policies

Many organizations now have evaluation policies. Because formal evaluation policies intend to frame evaluation practice, it is important to understand the aims of policies and their influence on practice. Evaluation theory is also intended to guide practice; therefore, the extent to which policies are informed by theory is also important to consider, given the related purposes of evaluation theories and policies. Because evaluation policies have emerged with greater occurrence relatively recently, the conceptual and empirical work on the theory–policy–practice connection is limited. Our aim in this article is to flesh out the intersection between evaluation theory, policy, and practice. As illustrative examples, we discuss the three policies in terms of methods, use, and valuing—three core dimensions of evaluation theory. The article concludes with a set of reflections on the different strategies for and implications of a stronger integration of evaluation theory in evaluation policies.

Strengthening Links Between Evaluation Theory and Practice, and More

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-139
Author(s):  
Melvin M. Mark
Keyword(s):  
Annual Meeting ◽  
Evaluation Research ◽  
Research Society ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Practice Research ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Evaluation Practice ◽  
Research On Evaluation

George Grob presented the fifth and final Eleanor Chelimsky Forum address at the 2017 annual meeting of the Eastern Evaluation Research Society. In this commentary, I respond to several points that George raises in the American Journal of Evaluation paper based on that address. An overarching theme of my comments involves the potential for strengthening the linkages between evaluation theory and evaluation practice. Research on evaluation should also be added to this pairing.

A balanced appraisal? Impact Assessment of European Commission proposals

elni Review ◽  
2007 ◽  
pp. 2-8
Author(s):  
Susan Owens
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Better Regulation

Decision makers need to be informed about the likely consequences of projects, plans, policies and regulations. This principle has been embodied for many years in procedures like environmental impact assessment and risk assessment. More recently, theory and practice in the field of impact assessment have been influenced by three important trends (the need for a more strategic approach, ‘better regulation’ and more integrated forms of assessment), all of which are evident within (though not restricted to) the European Union. As these developments gain momentum, it is an opportune moment to reflect upon the purpose, practice and effectiveness of impact assessment. We have much to learn from the substantial achievements of well-established procedures such as EIA. But as new approaches, methodologies and guidelines proliferate we may be in danger of losing touch with the fundamentals. How, for example, should we conceptualise the role of impact assessment in policy- and decision-making? Questions like this one are relevant for assessment at all levels of governance, but they are explored here primarily with reference to integrated impact assessments of European Commission proposals (henceforth referred to as ‘IA’). The paper sets out the policy background to this system, and considers the guidelines developed by the Commission for the conduct of such assessments. The paper then turns to experience with IA to date, particularly in relation to the questions identified above. It also proposes a set of principles, which should form a basis for impact assessment if it is to fulfil its role as an element of good governance.

Almanya’da aşırı sağ hareketler ve medyanın suçlu göçmen söyleminin resmi belgeler ışığında incelenmesi

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-226
Author(s):  
Soner Tauscher
Keyword(s):  
Agenda Setting ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
German Society ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Substantial Part ◽  
Media Discourse ◽  
Open Door ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Open Door Policy ◽  
Far Right

Avrupa ülkelerinin alışık olduğu düzenli işçi göçü ve kontrollü sığınmacı alımı Suriye iç savaşının üst düzeye ulaştığı 2013/2014 yılından itibaren önemli bir değişim göstermektedir. Avrupa Birliği, kuruluşundan bu yana en yoğun mülteci göçüyle karşılaşmaktadır. Yaşanan bu kontrolsüz ve zorunlu göçe Avrupa toplumları ve devletleri hazırlıksız yakalanmıştır. Mülteci krizini ekonomik olarak fırsata çevirmek isteyen Almanya ise göçmenler için 2015 yazından itibaren açık kapı politikası uygulamaya başlamıştır. Ancak uygulanan açık kapı politikası Alman toplumunun azımsanmayacak bir kesiminde mültecilere ve Müslümanlara yönelik ağır ve şiddetli bir karşı kampanya ortaya çıkardı. Mülteciler ve Müslümanlar aşırı sağ toplumsal hareketlerin gösterilerinde “tecavüzcü”, “işgalci”, “kriminal dolandırıcılar” vb. sıfatlar ile birlikte anılmakta, medya da bu söylemlerin taşıyıcılığını yaparak kamusallaşmasını sağlamaktadır. Böylece aşırı sağı desteklemeyen, apolitik, ya da sığınmacılara karşı hoşgörülü davranan toplum kesimlerinde kamuoyu oluşturularak sığınmacı ve göçmenlere karşı olumsuz algı gündemde tutulmakta, politik olanın merkezine yerleştirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada öncelikle göçmenlere karşı aşırı sağ toplumsal hareketlerin oluşturduğu olumsuz söylemin McCombs ve Shaw’un Gündem Belirleme Kuramı (Agenda Setting Function) bağlamında medya tarafından siyasetin merkezine nasıl oturtulduğu tartışılacaktır. Ayrıca gündemde tutulan mültecilere yönelik olumsuz söylemin gerçeği yansıtıp yansıtmadığı, göçmenlerin ve sığınmacıların biyolojik Almanlardan daha çok suça meyilli olup olmadığı oluşturulan soyut söylemlerden ziyade Almanya İçişleri Bakanlığı’nın yıllık olarak yayınladığı Emniyet Suç İstatistikleri temel alınarak incelenecektir.ABSTRACT IN ENGLISHFar right movements in Germany and evaluation of media discourse of criminal immigrant in the light of official documentsFlows of regular worker migration and regular asylum seekers, of whom European countries are familiar, have significantly changed since 2013/2014 when the civil war of Syria reached its peak. The European Union face probably the most intensive refugee migration since its establishment. European societies and states have not been prepared for this uncontrolled and compulsory immigration. Germany seem to want to turn the refugee crisis into an economic opportunity as evident in their open door policy since the summer of 2015. However, implementation of open-door policy has led a substantial part of German society to a strong campaign against the refugees and Muslims. Refugees and Muslims are referred to as “rapists”, “invaders”, “criminal fraudsters”, and so on in demonstrations of far right movements and media has helped disseminating these discourses. Hence, this manipulated and hateful discourse tries to gain support from the segment of society wh normally does not support far right and often apolitical, or tolerant towards asylum seekers. In this study, the ways in which the negative discourse of far right social movements against immigrants is brought to the centre of the political agenda by media is analysed using the agenda setting framework by McCombs and Shaw. Then, the claims that immigrants are involved in crime, or they are prone to be criminals are analysed and contrasted with the data obtained from the annual Crime and Safety Reports of the German Ministry of the Interior.

scholarly journals European Union One Health Country Visits as Driver to Combat on Antimicrobial Resistance

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s222-s222
Author(s):  
Pita Spruijt ◽  
Paul Bergervoet ◽  
Robbin Westerhof ◽  
Merel Langelaar ◽  
Marie-Cécile Ploy
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
One Health ◽  
Competent Authority ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Review System ◽  
Set Up

Background: In 2016, the European Union adopted unanimously Council Conclusions on the next steps to combat antimicrobial resistance under a One Health approach. To implement some of the provisions laid down in the Council Conclusions, a European Joint Action on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI) or EU-JAMRAI was set up, gathering 44 partners. Methods: As part of EU-JAMRAI, 13 participating European countries set up a country-to-country peer review system to evaluate each other’s national action plans (NAPs). This review system entailed a self-assessment, strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis, and country visits. All steps were executed with representatives from both the human and the veterinary domains (One Health approach). Special attention was given to supervision and the way supervision can enhance the implementation of guidelines on AMR, both at the policy level and within healthcare institutions. Results: Despite differences in the stage of developing and implementing NAPs, all 13 countries are working on NAPs. In this process, country visits function as a moment to exchange best practices and to provide an outsider’s point of view. At the end of 2019, 13 country-to-country visits had taken place, resulting in tailor-made recommendations for each country. These recommendations were shared with the competent authority. An example is a country that used the recommendation to improve infection prevention as an immediate reason to get the topic on the agenda of the Ministry of Health. During the country visits, intersectoral participation was perceived as desirable, but in some cases it was challenging to arrange. For some highly relevant topics, it has been recognized that discussion should take place on a European level. Examples of such topics include supervision, infection prevention guidelines, funding, surveillance, and regular audits of antibiotic prescriptions for physicians including feedback loops. Conclusions: Peer review is a cooperative and friendly working method compared to common audits. The country visits function as an agenda setting tool to get or to keep AMR on the political agenda and presenting the most relevant topic(s) to address for each country.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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