Independent Evaluation at the Asian Development Bank: Operations Evaluation Department: March 2007

Abstract

The Board of Directors and Management of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aim to promote the effectiveness of its operations. The Operations Evaluation Department supports their efforts toward this by enhancing understanding of what works, what does not, and what must be improved. Operations evaluation has changed from the beginnings of evaluation activities in ADB almost 30 years ago. Initially, the focus of evaluation was on assessing whether implementation was consistent with the intentions reflected in the appraisal of a project, and the extent to which the project achieved the expected economic and social benefits. Operations evaluation now shapes decision making throughout the project cycle and in ADB as a whole. Timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of ADB in 1966, this booklet on Independent Evaluation at the Asian Development Bank offers more than an account of the early steps of operations evaluation. It describes recent accomplishments and looks to the future.