Introduction
Despite the great interest in results, relatively little information is available on what is being achieved. Even self-reported results are rare, and may not always be credible. Meanwhile, many practitioners believe that they are achieving great results, but lack a credible channel through which to communicate them.
The DCED Standard therefore provides a practical framework, whereby programmes can measure their own results according to good practice. The Standard builds on the results chain, or logic, of the individual programme - the process of clarifying the results chain alone can deliver substantial improvements in effectiveness. Credibility is assured through external audit of the measurement process; Katalyst, one of the first programmes to be audited, shared their experience here.
The Committee invites you to join the initiative!
for a one-page outline about the Standard, how to join etc.
to get in touch with Jim Tanburn of the DCED Secretariat
Many donor and development agencies are now referring to the DCED Standard as a good practice. For a selection of (DCED member) agency documents and events featuring the Standard, click here.
The Standard and supporting documentation can be downloaded below. For background reading, please refer to the 2008 Reader on Measuring and Reporting Results in English, French or Spanish.
The 2011 Edition of the Reader (in English and French) gives an overview of progress in results measurement, and implementation of the DCED Standard worldwide. According to one CEO, it is "the most clearly written and commonsensical document on impact assessment that I have read". Case studies of individual programmes using the Standard can be downloaded below.
For the Minutes of recent meetings of the Results Measurement Steering Group, please visit the RM SG page.
Global Seminar on Current Trends and Results in Private Sector Development
The DCED organised a global Seminar on current trends and results in
private sector development,
17-20 January 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Click here for more information.
Interviews
were taken with selected participants and presenters at the seminar to
highlight some of the key issues arising.
for the DCED Standard in English (Version V)
for A Walk Through the DCED Standard
for Frequently Asked Questions about the Standard
Version VI of the Standard will address a few formatting and consistency issues in light of feedback received; the underlying structure and content remain the same as in Version V. It will be posted here for consultation very shortly; comments on Version V are still welcome.
These case studies focus on the experiences in practice of programmes that are working towards compliance with, or that are using, the DCED Standard. They are not intended as a guide to "best practice" in results measurement; the cases listed first appear (on the basis of material received) to have the most effective results chains and monitoring systems.
- Tractor leasing, DFID/PrOpCom Nigeria, 2010
- Maize production in Bangladesh, Swisscontact Katalyst, 2011
- Tofu production, Swisscontact / Mercy Corps VIP Indonesia, 2010
- Palm oil production, GTZ Thailand, 2010
- Pig-rearing, USAID/MSME Cambodia, 2010
- Regional Trade, TradeMark East Africa, 2011
- Cocoa value chain, AusAID/CLIP Solomon Islands, 2011
- Advocacy for business environment reform, DFID/ENABLE Nigeria, 2010
- Cashew production in Indonesia, Swisscontact and
Cordaid, 2011
- Tea in Vietnam, livestock markets in Kenya, SNV, 2011
- Tourism development, GIZ Montenegro, 2011
- Artificial insemination of livestock, SDC Southern Caucasus, 2011
- Industrial bamboo, PI Vietnam and Laos, 2010
Related Resources
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Photographs courtesy of Paul Weijers and Katalyst