The Quality of Results Frameworks in Development Policy Operations

The objective of this review is to
synthesize existing evaluative evidence and generate new
evidence on the quality of the Results Frameworks (RFs) of
development policy operations (DPOs). The study is organized
around a number of evaluative questions on various aspects
of DPO design, implementation, reporting, and evaluation.
Its focus is on the quality of RF, taking objectives and
coverage for granted. The study does not cover the scope and
coverage of reform programs underpinning DPOs, including the
relevance of objectives, or the choice of policy areas and
the links between DPOs and country assistance strategies. It
generally does not look at program achievements and
outcomes, except in cases when it is required for assessing
the quality of prior actions (PAs). The structure of the
review is: chapter one presents the methodology; chapter two
has the findings with respect to the presentation and
clarity of RFs; chapter three discusses evidence of the
quality of PAs and their contribution to the robustness of
RFs; chapter four discusses findings with respect to the use
of programmatic approach in DPOs relevant for RFs; chapter
five discusses strengths and weaknesses in the ME framework
of DPOs; chapter six discusses reporting of DPO results at
completion and implications for IEG validation and
evaluation of DPOs.