Why Evaluation?

Why do we need to do evaluation? In other words, what is the value of evaluation?

•  Evaluation provides managers with performance data needed for effective and informed management decision making.

•  Evaluation ensures empirical data collection as part of an information system.

1. Management Tool:

   •  Evaluation aides management in future planning and programming.

   •  Evaluation gives feedback to programme/project cycle so as to effect future improvement.

   •  Evaluation helps management develop effective and informed policies.

   •  Evaluation enables management to measure performance of programmes and projects that are in progress.

   •  Evaluation provides management tools to improve programme project performance.

2. Educating the Future

   •  Evalution is a learning process for programme implementers and programme managers.

   •  The lessons learned and results of evaluation are used to educate the future.

   •  Evaluation enables the managers to take corrective action of activities that are in progress.

   •  Evaluation avoids making the same mistakes in the future.

   •  Evaluation enables programme managers to replicate successes and hence guarantte better programme delivery in the future.

3. Accountability and Transparensy

   •  Evaluation provides independent information to UNEP's Governing Council, donors and partners on UNEP performance, achievement and impact of work.

   •  Evaluation is regarded by donors and the governing body as a means of accountability and transparency.

   •  Independent evaluations give the organization more credibility with the donors and its partners.

4. Achievements and Impact

   •  Evaluation provides management with empirical data on achievement or lack of it.

   •  Evaluation provides managers with evidennce of whether UNEP's activities are creating an impact. The evaluation answers the question ‘is the environment better and better managed as a result of UNEP activities and catalysis?'

   •  Evaluation measures results in the light of needs and objectives. It enables management to determine if needs are being met and objectives achieved.

5. Institutional Memory

•  Evaluation is in compliance with mandatory evaluation requirements enforced to ensure corporate memory is maintained.

•  Evaluation provides institutional memory on lessons by maintaining a database of lessons learned.