This article proposes a new method of secondary evaluation as a means for the public to participate in governmental activities, using a JICA project as a case study. In this method, various procedures are followed, such as: 1) collecting, using the internet and libraries, primary data mainly composed of evaluation reports; 2) collecting secondary data based on literature review and the law concerning access to information held by administrative organs; 3) formulating the Program Theory Matrix; and 4) conducting secondary evaluation using the DAC five criteria.
This method makes it possible for the public to carry out evaluation on governmental activities from their own standpoint and viewpoint, using existing materials at low costs without implementing research at the project site. Thus, secondary evaluation enhances the contents of primary evaluation.
The concept of secondary evaluation is relatively new in the history of evaluation, and is meaningful in the sense that the potential of evaluation is widened. Through non-profit organizations actively conducting secondary evaluations on activities of public utilities, public's voice will be raised in formulating policies of the government and transparency and efficiency of governmental activities will be increased.
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