When to evaluate

Timing

All evaluations (except self-evaluations which are conducted on an annual basis) can be undertaken at any point in the life of a project or programme and can be divided into four main categories: mid-term, terminal, spot checks and ex-post evaluations.

Mid-term evaluations

Mid-term evaluations are undertaken approximately half way through project implementation. These evaluations analyze whether the project is on track, what problems and challenges the project is encountering and which corrective actions are required. For mid-term evaluations either in-depth evaluations or desk evaluations can be used.

Terminal evaluations

Terminal evaluations are undertaken at the end of a project. They assess whether the objectives and goals were achieved in an effective and efficient manner and provide recommendations and lessons from project implementation in order to assist in determining whether to continue, replicate or expand a project. Terminal evaluations can be undertaken as both in-depth and desk evaluations.

Spot checks

Spot checks are normally done when progress is in doubt or when there is lack of information about a problem the project is facing. Spot checks are intended to identify causes and effects of the problems and provide solutions during project implementation. Spot checks can be requested by a programme/project manager.

Ex-post evaluations

Ex-post evaluations are normally conducted two or more years after the Programme/project is completed in order to assess its success or failure, the sustainability of results and impacts, and to draw conclusions that may inform other projects. Most ex-post evaluations are carried out as impact evaluations.