Challenges in Real-World Impact Evaluations: Some Learning on Costs and Timeliness

Abstract

This working paper analyses real-world impact evaluations in development sectors in low- and middle-income countries. Using the example of grants-for impact evaluations given by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), it explores key drivers of costs, and causes for delays. The analyses provide insights into managing impact evaluations for real-world programmes where the programme team and the impact evaluation team are typically different, start with different objectives and have different timelines. It concludes with emerging lessons and directions for researchers, implementers and donors that are keen to build learning and impact evaluations into their programmes.