Evaluation is an integral part of conceptualisation and management for the achievement of development results, be it for policies, programmes and projects. Conducted by independent persons, evaluations provide policy makers and programme managers valuable insights that can be used to improve effectiveness and efficiency of development initiatives. Evaluation entails the systematic assessment of a planned, [...]

The Sundaytimes Sri Lanka

Evaluation for Change

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Evaluation is an integral part of conceptualisation and management for the achievement of development results, be it for policies, programmes and projects. Conducted by independent persons, evaluations provide policy makers and programme managers valuable insights that can be used to improve effectiveness and efficiency of development initiatives. Evaluation entails the systematic assessment of a planned, ongoing or completed intervention’s design, implementation and results. Thus the objectives of an evaluation are to determine the fulfilment of goals, objectives, efficiency, effectiveness, impacts and sustainability of development interventions.
Post evaluations provide insights and lessons that help in development of new initiatives, and mid-term evaluations provide inputs for improving implementation performance.

Evaluations thus provide insights and evidence for change and improved management of programme. Evaluations go beyond typical outputs that are measured during the monitoring process and look at outcomes and impacts of the development intervention. Thus, evaluations tend to provide evidence on the effectiveness of the resources and the resulting benefits. Evaluation also provides opportunity to determine the views of the beneficiaries of the development initiative and effectiveness of operational arrangements. Evaluations provide means of sharing the experience of the development initiatives with others enhancing the possibility of influencing other development initiatives too. Evaluations have the potential not only to create changes to the concerned development initiative, but also to a wider spectrum of development initiatives.

Whilst the benefits of evaluation are many, the use of evaluation and findings are mixed. Discussed extensively in the literature these issues can be further explored by the interested researcher. They all lead to invaluable lesson learning in the exploration of what works, common pitfalls in development initiatives and elements that support effective action. From the practical application side of evaluation, the availability of structured inputs to build capacity of the practitioners is a stumbling block. Lack of access to recorded and consolidated knowledge on evaluation is a lacunae that the evaluation market and professionals face, along with the content, skills and attitudes to aid the process.

Sri Lanka Evaluation Association (SLEvA) is making an effort to fill in these gaps through the provision of training in evaluation and facilitating sharing of knowledge of evaluation experts. The Biennial International Conference is one such effort, where the expertise and current debates and discussions on evaluation are brought together. SLEvA works closely with academia, government and development practitioners through inputs and efforts to enhance monitoring and evaluation practices in development programs, and through introduction of evaluation as a subject area that is cross cutting other disciplines. The final objective is to bring about desired change to improve and inspire lives for greater productivity and action, and inculcate an evaluative and reflective culture in the development efforts in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Evaluation Association is conducting its biennial International Conference on 24th and 25th July 2013 on the topic of Evaluation for Change, with the expectation of creating a change to increase the use of evaluation in decision making processes of the government and development programs. Evaluation for Change is the 4th international conference being organized by the Sri Lanka Evaluation Association in collaboration with the Department of Foreign Aid and Budget Monitoring, Ministry of Finance and Planning, Sri Lanka together with UNICEF and COE. This will be followed by Post-conference Professional Development Workshops on 26th & 27th July 2013. Join us in the deliberations of the conference and the post-professional workshops. Find out more at www.sleva.lk




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