| High quality ESW, a mainstay of the World Bank as a “Knowledge Bank”, is critical as a complement to lending in the context of the Comprehensive Development Framework and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. QAG assessment of ESW quality is aimed at Bank reports such as Country Economic Memoranda, Public Expenditure Reviews, Sector Reviews and Poverty Assessments.
A random sample of ESW tasks completed in each fiscal year are assessed against four broad criteria: strategic relevance and timeliness: internal quality; dialogue and dissemination; and, likely impact. A four-point-scale is used for each of these criteria and for overall quality. Bank processes are also assessed for cost effectiveness and the quality of management input.
Before beginning each year’s review, an Approach Paper reviews with management the specific methodology, questionnaire and sample to be used. At the end of the exercise a Synthesis Report for the fiscal year identifies systemic strengths and weaknesses in ESW gives examples of best practice, and reports to management on the status of quality of the Bank’s sector programs.
The FY02 ESW Synthesis Report showed robust quality gains to have been made over four years, with overall quality having reached its target of over 90 percent satisfactory. The report also noted an increasing participation by government officials in the countries in all aspects of preparation of the reports.
Quality of Economic and Sector Work
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RSS