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Mapping the contours of effective programming : The Effectiveness Initiative 1999-2002 [whole issue]

October 1999

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This edition is about trying two share two new things: first, sharing a process that Bernard van Leer are currently engaged in, as it is happening, in the hope that this, in turn, will encourage readers to react and contribute toward the further formation of the Effectiveness Initiative (EI). Second, presents material in a special edition of ECM with the Coordinator's Notebook (CN). In recognition of the collaboration and dialogue built into the EI, decision was taken to join forces in this initial publication to reach out to both the Early Childhood Matters and Coordinators' Notebook audiences

Utilization-focused evaluation in Africa

QUINN PATTON, Michael
September 1999

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This training document contains a series of lectures on utilization-focused evaluation. This approach assumes that the value of an evaluation rests not simply on the quality of its findings but also on an adequate utilization of the review process and its results. Good evaluations have the effect of building capacity, ensuring proper use of evaluation process and findings, and not merely producing reports. At every stage of the evaluation process, from design to data collection, analysis and report writing, the evaluators need to be aware of the intended use by intended users. This is a useful resource for those wishing to explore alternative approaches to evaluation, and willing to maximise the impact and benefits of monitoring and evaluation activities

The policy process : an overview

SUTTON, Rebecca
August 1999

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The paper offers an introduction to analysis of the policy process. It identifies and describes theoretical approaches in political science, sociology, anthropology, international relations and management. It then reviews five cross-cutting themes: a) the dichotomy between policy-making and implementation; b) the management of change, c) the role of interest groups in the policy process; d) ownership of the policy process; and e) the narrowing of policy alternatives. The paper concludes with a 21-point check-list of 'what makes policy happen'. A glossary of key terms is also provided. The key argument of the paper is that a 'linear model' of policy-making, characterised by objective analysis of options and separation of policy from implementation, is inadequate. Instead, policy and policy implementation are best understood as a 'chaos of purposes and accidents'. A combination of concepts and tools from different disciplines can be deployed to put some order into the chaos, including policy narratives, policy communities, discourse analysis, regime theory, change management, and the role of street-level bureaucrats in implementation

Malaria prevention : lessons learned

WIJEYARATNE, Panduka
ARATA, Andrew
May 1999

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A brief but insightful report on lessons learned in malaria prevention. These are carefully explained and expanded in the text and include points such as the impact of urbanisation in Africa on malaria epidemiology; the need for simple, rapid but scientifically sound methods for assssing transmission; the role of risk area mapping in surveillance and project planning; and the need for careful operational research prior to implementing Insecticide Treated Net (ITN) programmes

Rebound mortality and the cost-effectiveness of malaria control : potential impact of increased mortality in late childhood following the introduction of insecticide treated nets

COLEMAN, PP G
GOODMAN, C A
MILLS, A
March 1999

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Describes a scientific study that investigates the suggestion that long-term use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) in areas of high malaria transmission could lead to mortality rebound in later childhood, which would reduce the cost-effectiveness of the intervention, and at the extreme could lead to negative overall effects

The tyranny of participation in information systems : learning from development projects

HEEKS, Richard
March 1999

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This paper sets out to investigate and understand some of the problems of participatory approaches. It does so by recognising the parallels between debate on the role and value of participation in information systems (IS) development, and debate on the role and value of participation in development projects more generally. These projects aim to deliver development goals and they have frequently involved participation. They therefore provide fertile ground for learning about approaches to information systems development. Participation is seen to fail in such projects because it ignores context; because it is itself ignored; because it ignores reality; and because it ignores other factors. Based on this analysis, a more critical approach to participation in IS projects is suggested, with three critical questions identified that must be answered before participation can be considered

Indicators for monitoring national drug policies : a practical manual

BRUDON, Pascale
RAINHORN, Jean-Daniel
REICH, Michael R
1999

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This manual has been developed to evaluate the performance of pharmaceutical sectors, to monitor progress in the implementation of national drug policies or to assess the effects of changes on drug policy objectives. It contains a comprehensive set of simple, objective and reliable indicators which can be adapted to fit national contexts

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