Abstract:

The recent development observed in Public Administration, in general, and in public policies, in particular, have led to profound changes in the way different Government levels act about public problems resolution. The need to obtain better efficient levels and effects on public spending has required improved tools and techniques directed to decision making and public policies evaluation in different countries, and in particular, in Portugal. Over the last years, financial management in Portuguese counties has been seriously affected by a set of external factors, of which the international crisis stands out, between 2008 and 2009.