This review of evaluation findings on Dutch government policy successes and failures points to the influence of political culture on policy effectiveness. Public policy goal attainment is more likely when the government acts purposively, on the basis of relevant information, with power, and with integration. (Author/BS)

The author compares his experiences evaluating Peace Corps volunteers in Kenya and evaluating a health promotion program for adolescents in Orange County, California. Doing international evaluations can improve domestic evaluations by heightening awareness of often unrecognized cultural variations in the domestic setting. (BS)

This special issue deals with the preparation of professional evaluators. Evaluation is considered as a profession that warrants specialized training. Aspects of necessary training and descriptions of current programs are discussed. (SLD)

Reflecting on his experiences as an evaluation consultant at the Suez Canal University Faculty of Medicine in Egypt the author discusses: (1) implications of the Egyptian political context; (2) adapting to the host culture; and (3) maintaining distance from one's own culture. Personal qualities to complement the recommended naturalistic methods…

The substantial differences in program evaluation practices in Canada and the United States are discussed focussing on the historical context and the political and cultural environments. Program evaluation has developed in Canada to address the concerns of accountability of public funds in a context of economic restraint. (Author/BS)

Examples of innovative program evaluation techniques developed in several foreign and international settings are presented in a collection of 10 essays. Methods for understanding programs to be evaluated, focusing evaluation, gathering information, analyzing information, and communicating findings and recommendations are discussed. (TJH)