ABSTRACT
The 1980s have seen an emphasis on improved productivity in government administration. A productivity campaign was carried out in 1982 in both government administration and the private sector. The growing scope and complexity of government operations, in Norway in most other countries, have made Financial auditing methods largely impractical or even impossible. The initiative for evaluation, whether direct or indirect, may come from a number of quarters. A number of sectors and institutions are required by law or administrative decision to send regular reports to the Parliament. These reports include, among other things, some evaluation. In connection with major studies, specially appointed review committees will take the initiative for evaluation. These committees may conduct evaluations themselves, or they may assign the task of evaluation to others. Evaluations can take many forms, from simple user inquiries to comprehensive scientific studies. The planning department in the newest ministry, the Ministry of Development Cooperation, has a separate division for evaluation and research.
