The Challenges and Modus Operands for Testing the Effectiveness of Social Plans

Every society needs to continuously study and analyze the progress and effects of social plans. This can be attained through evaluation, which constitutes one of the important elements of every model of sound planning. One of the most important questions raised about evaluation is: How far has the plan been successful in achieving the goals? The evaluation of effectiveness provides the answer to this question. However, the evaluation of the effectiveness of social plans faces some challenges which have made it difficult to achieve. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the present paper, pointing out to these challenges, makes explicit the modus operands for conducting it. In brief, the conceptual understanding of effectiveness, way of evaluation and determining the appropriate criteria for it in social plans are considered among the most important fresh challenges. The most appropriate modus operand for testing the effectiveness of such plans is the evaluation of their social effects in immediate environment.