Multilateral Banks and the Development Process

"The title of this book should be: 'Eight lessons that, if heeded, would change development effectiveness.' The carefully conceptualized and empirically-supported lessons that Thomas and Luo have identified are insightful, important, and useful - with far-reaching implications...Anyone involved in development at any stage along the results chain...will be well-advised to study and heed the lessons in this important book. The challenge is to turn them from just lessons to lessons learned and applied."

Michael Quinn Patton, author of Developmental Evaluation

"[T]his excellent work makes it crystal clear that leaving the desired outcomes outside the evaluation work is not an option if we are serious about achieving ultimate outcomes. While new models focusing on results such as results-based programs or outcome-based aid are emerging, this book provides policy makers with valuable guidance to put a state-of-the-art evaluation framework in place."

Naoko Ishii, deputy vice minister of finance, government of Japan

"This is a welcome and valuable resource for those interested in development effectiveness. Building upon extensive data and techniques in development evaluation, the authors create a convincing, multifaceted picture of the links between actions and results in development. Their empirical evidence and fresh revelations will lead readers to identify missed opportunities in any development project, which will steer the reader to achieving a better long-term outcome."

Dr. Oh-Seok Hyun, president of Korea Development Institute

"This book provides rare insights into the development process, making paradoxical findings enlightening. It appears as a healthy caveat against conventional views, offering new and stimulating lessons."

Patrick Guillaumont, Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development, and professor emeritus at the University of Auvergne

"This excellent volume draws on the evaluations and assessments of The World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group to shed light on a range of development issues. It contributes to the literature on measurement and evaluation of development outcomes, highlighting, for example, the pitfalls of composite indicators, and arguing for real-time as opposed to ex-post evaluations...This book will be a great resource for the development community."

Ravi Kanbur, T. H. Lee Professor of World Affairs, International Professor of Applied Economics, professor of economics, Cornell University

"Most theoretical treatises in evaluation lack empirical data. This short but incisive book is a welcome exception. It reflects the collective wisdom of seasoned practitioners. It tackles tricky methodological dilemmas head on and it does so with elegance and rigor using a wealth of well-selected, fully documented, and easily understandable examples."

Robert Picciotto, visiting professor, King's College, London; board member of the European Evaluation Society; former director general, evaluation, World Bank