Institutionalization of impact evaluation: opportunities and challenges in the Mauritian Civil Service

Moorghen, Rooba Yanembal (2017). Institutionalization of impact evaluation: opportunities and challenges in the Mauritian Civil Service. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This study explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding the institutionalization of Impact Evaluation as a policy instrument in Mauritius’ Civil Service. Although there has been continuous expansion of evaluation practice around the world since the 1920s, in many countries, particularly in the developing world, not much progress have been made by developing countries to adopt evaluation into their approach to governance and policy-making.
Thus, this study examines the role that evaluation and impact evaluation might play in the wider context and processes of government using the Civil Service of Mauritius as a case study. The research examines the perceived importance of evaluation to the policy-making process within the Mauritian Civil Service, the role ‘impact evaluation’ plays in practice within the Mauritian Civil Service, and the challenges that present themselves while seeking to institutionalize impact evaluation within this context.
Data were collected using a triangulated approach: interviews provided the main sources of evidence and were conducted with Ministers, former Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Senior Chief Executives, Heads of Departments from the public, private sector, academic and Research Institutions Trade Unions and Consumer Associations, Development partners based in Mauritius. This data was supplemented with informal discussions and a document analysis.
The findings were analysed using a conceptual framework blending policy Evaluation performance cycle, the Advocacy Coalition Framework and the demand and supply framework as a theoretical lens.
The key findings are that policy evaluation including impact evaluation, is indeed potentially valuable and important at any stage of a policy’s life cycle. However, political economy of a country, insufficient technical capacity, the limitations of public officials, and funding are potential constraints. The thesis has implications for developing countries, in particular small island developing states. The findings raise several issues to assist policy makers and practitioners and could contribute to future developments of the Advocacy Coalition Framework.

Type of Work:	Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type:	Doctorates > Ph.D.
Licence:
College/Faculty:	Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Social Sciences
School or Department:	Institute of Local Government Studies
Funders:	None/not applicable
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform J Political Science > JQ Political institutions Asia
URI:	http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/7560

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