Description

In its new reform agenda launched in 2004, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) aimed to increase the results orientation of all assistance and activities. The long-term strategy, Strategy 2020, published in 2008, underscored the emphasis on results.

This study updates the findings and results of a 1998 special evaluation study on the midterm review process of projects. The study assesses the extent to which the recommendations of the 1998 study were taken into consideration and assesses the effectiveness of the current review process from a results perspective.

The study reviewed 20 project loans in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Viet Nam approved from 2000 to 2002, and based its findings largely on the 17 that had conducted midterm reviews.

The 1998 special evaluation found that midterm reviews played an important role in improving project quality at ADB, but this potential was underused. It also found that the use of midterm reviews was arbitrary, largely because of a perceived lack of staff resources and mission budgets.

The current evaluation found that the midterm review process had been retained among the project administration activities, in accordance with a 1998 recommendation. Most other 1998 recommendations were also generally implemented in the projects this study reviewed. The study also found midterm reviews remain relevant for improving project implementation and performance; the reviews allow the monitoring and assessing of project progress over the longer term.

Contents

• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Background
• Study Findings
• Summary, Lessons, And Issues
• Appendixes