A.I.D. use of development indicators : a progress report

This study of objectively verifiable indicators which A.I.D. defines as explicit and specific criteria or measures designed to provide objective assessment of project progress, includes examination of 204 PAR"s and PROP"s. The documents set forth some 494 Goal and Purpose level objectives, for which there are 1,154 indicators. The evaluation process has already brought important benefits to A.I.D."s program of non-capital assistance. The observed changes in design clarity reflects real progress by virtually all Missions. This PCI study highlights the areas in which increased attention by Mission personnel will accelerate the type of gains already achieved. Two areas deserve greater attention. One is targeting. Defining the expected change that will be achieved by a project is simpler to discuss conceptually than it is to accomplish in practice. Yet it is important to improve in the areas. It may well be necessary to identify the extent of the uncertainty through the use of intermediate measures, or by careful examination of other similar A.I.D. projects. The second area deserving greater attention is that of independent measures. The study indicates continued difficulty in measuring purpose objectives independently of outputs. Missions can improve in this area by more intensive questioning in Mission reviews to further clarify objectives and to focus on what happened because of the outputs.