Author Description

The twenthieth Annual Review of Evaluation Results presents the salient findings of operational assessments carried out in 1993. The review draws on project completion reports for 318 operations, performance audits for 100 operations, and diverse evaluation and impact studies. It looks in particular at project outcomes, the sustainability of benefits, and the extent to which operations addressed the Bank's thematic objectives - reducing poverty, and protecting the environment and developing the private sector as a means to sustainable inputs in the living standards of the poor. The key underlying determinants of outcomes and sustainability are explored and suggestions for improving performance offered. The review furnishes evidence of a stabilizing trend in operational outcomes and of improving trends in such indicators as physical achievements, re-estimated rates of return, and cost and time variations. The review confirms that improvements in portfolio management and quality at entry would lead to improved results - including better outcomes, greater sustainability, and more effective achievement of thematic goals.