EVO - Evaluation- A Management Tool for Improving Project Performance (a logical framework) -3/97
INTRODUCTION
The Evaluation Office (EVO) is pleased to distribute the first in a series of handbooks on Evaluation as part of our training and dissemination activities. The objective of this Evaluation Handbook is to present to Headquarters and Field Office Bank staff information on various existing tools aimed at facilitating evaluation at the project design, implementation or monitoring, and project completion/impact levels. Throughout the document, the word "evaluation" is used generically, that is, as the analyses conducted at all phases of the development process.
The Handbook is divided into six chapters. Chapter I is a general overview of evaluation, and describes the evaluation paradigm change, emphasizing learning and feedback throughout the project cycle. It defines stakeholders in IDB evaluations and the framework of the Bank Evaluations System. Chapters II-IV describe how the application of evaluation is essential to the design of the project at the project preparation phase, the monitoring of the project at the project implementation phase, and the project's impact at (or after) the project completion phase. Chapter V is intended for those who are, or may be required to manage formal evaluations at mid-term and ex-post levels. It provides the evaluation manager with a step-by-step process to ensure a successful and effective evaluation. Chapter VI underscores the importance of developing evaluation capacity to increase the opportunities to achieve effective and desirable results. Finally, it characterizes EVO's role in support of the Bank's evaluation process.
The evaluation handbook is intended to be complemented by a series of training sessions, much like the current Logical Framework training available in Headquarters and the Field Offices. The handbook is a document in the making, designed to evolve and change as we learn together from its use.