Demonstrating effectiveness is at the core of the RCT revolution (led by lab, quasi and discontinuous randomistas and followed by many of us on twitter). It is only quite recently that structural models have begun to appear that allow for reliable estimates for welfare improvements, demand curves and benefit flows. For instance, this recent study on de-worming in Kenya which … [Read more...] about 10 Pitfalls in Cost Benefit Analysis
The evaluation agenda in education moves ahead in Mexico
The First Workshop on Impact Evaluation in Education in Mexico just took place these past 7th, 8th and 9th of May in Mexico City. This workshop was a response to the National Institute for the Evaluation of Education, INEE's interest to start a work agenda on impact evaluation. INEE is an independent institution of the Ministry of Education and created by presidential decree … [Read more...] about The evaluation agenda in education moves ahead in Mexico
Is large scale impact an oxymoron?
As the debate on the impact of the Millenium Villages Project (MVP) evolved, it became increasingly clear that, at least for now, there is no evidence on its effectiveness. It is also clear that part of the challenge has been that rigorous evaluation designs were absent at inception, and later efforts did not provide much evidence with their quicksand baselines or muddy … [Read more...] about Is large scale impact an oxymoron?
Are supplier development programs effective at improving firm performance?
In a recent paper that I wrote with Irani Arraiz and Francisca Henriquez we find that the Chilean Supplier Development Program benefited both small and medium-sized suppliers and large firms buying their production. This paper is –to the best of our knowledge—the first to present results of an impact evaluation of a supplier development program in Latin America and the … [Read more...] about Are supplier development programs effective at improving firm performance?
Evaluation standards for private sector projects
By Ichiro Toda* There is a growing interest in how to measure the contribution of private sector activities to development of low income countries. Rigorous impact evaluation methodologies, with randomized control trials, have been applied in private sector initiatives, including support for microfinance institutions, business development or SME support. In terms of … [Read more...] about Evaluation standards for private sector projects