Evaluation of development programmes: methodology and value framework

Abstract

During the last decade the issues of evaluation gained priority, especially in relation to the financing of Community Support Frameworks. The main contents of evaluation refer to the estimation of the pace of implementation and the impact of development programmes. The article, argues that in addition to this content we should deal with questions concerning the value-framework the socioeconomic interests and the allocation of costs and benefits which are related with each particular programme. It is argued that the scientific debate so far has been focused upon the appropriateness of using quantitative methods and techniques while there is urgent need for the elaboration of concepts and analytical categories concerning the contents of evaluation. This is more important to the extent that the dominant view is narrowed to the economic and administrative management of the programme by the regional, national and European authorities