Labour Economics and Social Policy:
Program and Policy Evaluation and Design

Program and policy evaluation and design (PPED) involves the application of experimental and quasi-experimental empirical methodologies to evaluate outcomes from government policies and programs.

These methodologies primarily involve a comparison of outcomes between a ‘treatment’ group who have participated in, or been directly affected by, a government program or policy, and a ‘control’ group of non-participants.

Researchers use the PPED methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of previous or existing policies, and to predict the outcomes of proposed policies.

Potential applications of this methodology extend to almost all areas of government activity. For example, several international studies have examined:

  • How participation in labour market programs affects subsequent employment and earnings outcomes
  • The effects of anti-poverty programs
  • The effects of compulsory schooling attendance legislation
  • Whether minimum wages affect employment, and
  • The effects of mandated maternity benefits on female employment and earnings.

Ongoing projects

Projects completed in 2016

Projects completed in 2014

Projects completed in 2011

Projects completed in 2008

Projects completed in 2005

Projects completed in 2004

Projects completed in 2003