Two Levels of Analysis
4.1.2 Two Levels of Analysis
91. The review’s goal is to provide recommendations both at an institutional level (to identify new areas for applying CDD in ADB and explore institutional bottlenecks to using a CDD approach) and a project level (suggestions on how to improve the quality of CDD design and implementation based on experience). Thus, two levels of analysis were made: a portfolio level analysis of all CDD projects in terms of quality at entry, and a case study analysis for a sample of exemplary CDD projects.
92. Portfolio Analysis. An analysis of the universe of identified ADB CDD projects in 2001–2005 was made to determine the extent and types of application of the CDD approach to date. The results were then compared with the portfolios of other institutions, particularly the World Bank, to reveal areas where ADB has had a strong influence in applying CDD and areas where there is unexploited potential. The analysis included a description of several parameters discernible in the project database that was created, including (i) number of projects and volume of portfolio by year; (ii) regional and sector distribution; (iii) multisector vs. single-sector distribution; (iv) division by loan type and size; and (v) classification by overall theme or type of project (e.g., post-conflict, common property resource management, or local service delivery). A brief description of the CDD design characteristics that were identified was also provided.
93. Case Study Analysis. The case study analysis focused on individual CDD projects. The selection of these cases was done subjectively by deciding (a) which projects had the most visible and comprehensive CDD elements; (b) which had reached a level of implementation that allowed some assessment of performance and practical constraints, (c) which projects had sufficient accessible documentation, such as mid-term reviews and back-to-office reports from appraisal missions; and (for logistic reasons) (d) which projects had staff task managers and project officers easily available for further interviews and clarification. This detailed analysis was undertaken for three CDD projects: 100
x Vientiane Urban Infrastructure and Services Project, Lao PDR, FY2001 x Poor Farmers’ Income Improvement Through Innovation Project, Indonesia, FY2002 x Northeast Coastal Community Development Project, Sri Lanka, FY 2003
94. For each of these three projects, mini-case studies were prepared that provide an overview of the project, highlight the key factors that influenced the CDD design elements, describe briefly some of the issues and achievements involved during implementation, and provide insights on the factors that influenced the successes and failures of the project. Three sources of information were used to compile these mini-case studies:
(i) project RRPs, which were the primary source of information regarding project design, the institutional arrangements, and CDD principles that have been applied;
(ii) ADB mission leaders and mission members, who were interviewed on issues related to both the design and implementation of their projects to reveal what operational challenges were faced and what lessons were learnt; and
(iii) where available, other post-implementation project documents, such as mid-term reviews and back-to-office reports from appraisal missions, to learn further how the projects were implemented and whether there were any identified successes or failures.
95. These case studies were then analyzed in terms of their CDD design elements and implementation insights in order to provide guidance to future ADB CDD projects. A comparison with good practice principles of CDD and lessons from experience elsewhere as discussed in the previous chapter was also
This is roughly a 10% sample of the overall portfolio of CDD projects.
made to reveal the operational challenges and new design features needed to improve the effectiveness and quality of CDD operations in ADB.