Evaluation for better development results

Abstract

Evaluation can make a positive difference to development results. Yet, the emergence of extended results chains and the growing significance of linkages across projects and programmes have increased the challenges of producing useful evaluations. Meanwhile, the timeliness in the provision of evaluative findings is proving to be crucial for ensuring its relevance and impact. This paper first underscores the need for results-based evaluations. It then points out the need for diverse evaluation approaches, emphasising the value of looking beyond stated objectives. Finally, it discusses governance frameworks to motivate the production and use of evaluations of development results.

Keywords:

• development results
• evaluation
• monitoring

Acknowledgements

The authors are from the Independent Evaluation Group of the World Bank Group. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank Group, the governments they represent, or World Bank Group management. In producing this paper, the authors would like to thank Patrick Grasso and two anonymous reviewers for useful comments.

Notes

1. The World Bank's Country Policy and Institutional Assessment is done annually for all its borrowing countries. It has evolved into a set of criteria, which are grouped into four clusters: economic management; structural policies; policies for social inclusion and equity; and public sector management and institutions. Ratings for each of the criteria reflect a variety of indicators, observations, and judgements. They focus on the quality of each country's current policies and institutions – which are the main determinant of present aid effectiveness prospects.