The process by which individuals, groups, organizations and countries develop, organize and enhance their systems, resources and knowledge, all reflected in their abilities, individually and collectively, to perform functions, solve problems and set and achieve objectives. Technical assistance in the form of knowledge transfer activities such as training, fellowships, study tours, is used to increase capacity.
See also: “Lesson learned”, “Learning”
Outputs that have been postponed in the previous biennium and are to be completed in the current one.
See also: “Postponed”, “Output”
The examination of the characteristics of a single case (such as an individual, an event, a programme or some other discrete entity). A sample of multiple cases can also be examined to look for commonalities and to identify patterns. Case studies are often used to gather qualitative information in support of findings obtained through quantitative methods.
See also: “Qualitative data”, “Lesson learned”, “Learning”
A logical connection or cause-effect linkage ascribed to the relationship between accomplishments/results and efforts to achieve them or between final results and their impact on the target beneficiaries. Generally the term refers to reliably plausible linkages.
See also: “Assumption”, “Attribution”, "Bias”, “Evidence”, “Logical framework”, “Indirect effect”
The satisfaction of a programme’s clients, defined as the organizations or individuals who are affected by that programme, often measured in terms of meeting their needs or expectations.
See also: “Beneficiary”, “End-user”, “Stakeholder ”
An evaluation of a set of related outputs, projects and/or programmes or subprogrammes.
See also: “Evaluation”
Conclusions present reasoned judgments based on a synthesis of empirical findings or factual statements corresponding to specific circumstances. Conclusions point out the factors of success and failure of the evaluated projects and programmes, with special attention paid to the intended and unintended results and impacts, and more generally to any other strength or weakness. Conclusions draw on data collection and analyses undertaken, through a transparent chain of arguments.
See also: “Finding”, “Lesson learned”, “Terms of reference”
The situation that exists, and that the evaluator seeks to describe and explain. Condition can describe how well a programme is operating or the problem it is facing.
See also: “Finding”
An output category which comprises meeting services, interpretation, verbatim reporting; translation, editorial services; documentation and publication services (including text processing); library services; overall administration and management; human resources management; programme planning, budget, accounts; central support services; audits; inspections, evaluations, management reviews.
See also: “Output category”, “Output”
A systematic approach to analyzing themes in audio, visual, electronic or print communication. Selected material is reviewed and assessed on the basis of predetermined criteria (such as the reflection of key messages, accuracy, prominence, and reference to sponsoring organization).
See also: “Data”, “Data collection method”
A selected subgroup of beneficiaries who do not receive the same treatment, input or training, but share characteristics similar to the target group. Thus, differences between the control group and the target group can be measured and evaluated.
See also: “Target group”
The link between the activities carried out by various organizational units to arrive at final products or services delivered to end-users to accomplish a desired result.
See also: “Attribution”, "Causal relationship”
A specialized analysis which converts all costs and benefits to common monetary terms and then assesses the ratio of results to inputs against other alternatives or against some established criteria of cost-benefit performance. It often involves the comparison of investment and operating costs with the direct and indirect benefits generated by the investment in a project or programme.
See also: “Cost-effectiveness”, “Efficiency”
Comparison of the relative costs of achieving a given result or output by different means. It focuses on the relation between the costs (inputs) and results produced by a project or programme. A project/programme is more cost effective when it achieves its results at the lowest possible cost compared with alternative projects with the same intended results.
See also: “Cost-benefit analysis”
The standards used to determine whether or not a programme or project meets expectations.
See also: “Objective”