This report examines: (1) the Office of Management & Budget's (OMB) & agency perspectives on the effects that the Program Assessment Rating Tool (PART) recommendations are having on agency operations & program results; (2) OMB's leadership in ensuring a complementary relationships between the PART & the Government Performance & Results Act of 1993 (GPRA); & (3) steps OMB has taken to involve Congress in the PART process. This report also followed up on issues raised in a Jan. 2004 report on the PART. Includes recommendations. Charts & tables.

Combining practical experience with academic analysis this book explores the social and organizational dynamics of performance indicators. It moves beyond the technicalities of measurement and indicators and looks at how performance information is changing the public sector.

This book examines the theory and practice of performance budgeting, which aims make government more effective by linking the funding of government agencies to the results they deliver. Combining thematic studies and case studies, it clearly presents the diverse range of contemporary performance budgeting models and examines their effectiveness.

The Fourth Edition of the bestselling Utilization-Focused Evaluation provides expert, detailed advice on conducting program evaluations from one of leading experts. Chock full of useful pedagogy—including a unique utilization-focused evaluation checklist—this book presents Michael Quinn Patton′s distinctive opinions based on more than thirty years of experience. Key Features of the Fourth Edition Provides thoroughly updated materials including more international content; new references; new exhibits and sidebars; and new examples, stories, and cartoons Includes follow-up exercises at the end of each chapter Features a utilization-focused evaluation checklist Gives greater emphasis on mixed methods Analyzes the pluses and minuses of the increased emphasis on accountability and performance measurement in government at all levels Details the explosion of international evaluation Intended Audience Both theoretical and practical, this core text is an essential resource for students enrolled in Program Evaluation courses in a variety of disciplines—including public administration, government, social sciences, education, and management. Practitioners will also find this text invaluable.

By deploying armed air marshals onboard selected flights, the Fed. Air Marshal Service (FAMS), plays a key role in helping to protect 29,000 domestic and international flights operated daily by U.S. air carriers. This report examines: (1) FAMS's operational approach or "concept of operations" for covering flights; (2) to what extent this operational approach has been independently evaluated; and (3) the processes and initiatives FAMS established to address workforce-related issues. This report analyzed documented policies and procedures regarding FAMS's operational approach and a July 2006 classified report based on an independent evaluation of that approach. This report is the public version of a restricted report issued in Dec. 2008. Illus.