1. SIMPLIFYING EVALUATION August 29, 2011 1

2. Impact of NGO Development Projects • “A first, overarching, conclusion - confirmed by data and interviews in all the different case study countries - is that in spite of growing interest in evaluation, there is still a lack of reliable evidence on the impact of NGO development projects and programmes”1. • “There is a paucity of data and information from which to draw firm conclusions about the impact of projects, about efficiency and effectiveness, about sustainability, the gender and environmental impact of projects and their contribution to strengthening democratic forces, institutions and organisations and building civil society”2. 1The DAC (Riddell et al, 1997) study "Searching for Impact and Methods: NGO Evaluation Synthesis Study“ 2Danida-funded study of 45 Danish NGO projects in four countries (Oakley, 1999: 94)

3. Evaluation • Often misunderstood, misinterpreted and misused in the developmental world Evokes the feeling of being judged – many organisations fear it Some reasons quoted for not evaluating – limited budgets, limited time, don’t have the expertise, we know our project is doing well……..

4. 3 Es of Evaluation

5. Evaluation = Value for Money Economics X Efficiency X Effectiveness Input Expenditure Output Input Outcome Output = X X Input Expenditure Output Input Outcome Output = X X Outcome Expenditure = = Value for Money

6. Why Evaluate? • For “improving” and not just “proving” • Mid course correction • Prioritization of activities • Reallocation of resources • Assessing the speed and level of progress • Building on the successes and reducing the failures • Improving processes • Maximizing outputs and outcomes while minimizing inputs • Increasing value for money

7. Questions?????

8. For any questions or suggestions, please contact: Andy Bhanot Westat India Social Sciences Mobile: +91 9810 253 614, +91 8800 111 453 Tel: +91 11 46114859 E-mail: andybhanot@westat.in