The Role of Program Evaluation as Complement to Performance Measurement:

The Case of GPRAMA in the United States

Abstract

  In the Policy Evaluation system in Japan, performance measurement (called “jisseki hyoka” in the system) is most frequently used and the use of program evaluations (“sogo hyoka”) is limited. In this article, the author discusses how we can utilize program evaluations as a means of supplementing performance measurement, by analyzing the case of the United States. Under the framework of GPRA Modernization Act (GPRAMA), program evaluations are being utilized for developing and revising performance goals, for setting performance indicators, and for supporting program reforms.

  Program evaluations could solve part of problems in the Policy Evaluation system in Japan, including the difficulty in setting indicators and non-use of evaluation results.