An impact evaluation systematically assesses whether an intervention, such as a project, program, or policy, has caused the observed results. The process goes beyond just counting activities and outputs, placing the emphasis on real, meaningful changes that occur as a result. Conducting impact evaluation involves clearly defined steps, thoughtful planning, and rigorous data collection to generate credible evidence.
Steps to Conduct Impact Evaluation #
- Designing an Evaluation Plan
The first step is designing an evaluation plan. This defines the purpose, scope, key questions, stakeholders, and intended use of findings. A well-designed plan provides direction and sets expectations for how the evaluation will unfold.
- Evaluation Framework Development
Developing an evaluation framework, often grounded in a theory of change, helps articulate the logical pathways from inputs and activities to outcomes and impacts. This framework guides your choice of methods, indicators, and data sources.
- Selecting Impact Indicators
Selecting the right indicators is crucial. Impact indicators should reflect meaningful change and be clearly defined, measurable, and relevant, as they guide progress tracking and help address the key questions an evaluation seeks to answer.
- Data Collection for Impact Studies
Effective data collection captures information at multiple points. A common approach is conducting baseline and endline surveys to measure change over time. Other methods may include interviews, administrative data, observation, or focus groups.
- Evaluation Methodology Examples
Depending on what is practical and ethically appropriate, an evaluation may use experimental designs like randomized control trials, quasi-experimental approaches such as difference-in-differences, or non-experimental methods.
Conducting an impact evaluation calls for careful planning, clear thinking, and dependable data. When these elements come together, the evaluation can generate insights that genuinely improve programmes, support better decisions, and reinforce accountability.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
How to Conduct an Effective Social Impact Assessment in 2025: A Complete Guide
This article by the 4th Wheel Social Impact presents the advantages of conducting a social impact assessment/evaluation and provides a step-by-step process for conducting the impact evaluation along with some tools and technologies which can be used for the same.
Identifying When, Why, and How to Use Impact Evaluations
Impact evaluations help determine whether a programme achieved its intended results and explain what worked, what didn’t, and why. However, they can be resource-intensive, making careful planning and clear evaluation questions essential. In this paper, Irina Siminchina shares key lessons on deciding how, when, and why to carry out impact assessments in large, complex organizations, with the aim of generating strong evidence to inform policy decisions.
For in-depth understanding #
Chapter 2 – How to carry out an impact assessment
This chapter from the Better Regulation toolbox 2023 by the European Commission provides an in-depth understanding of how to conduct impact assessment/evaluation, the steps to be followed for impact assessment, as well as how to apply theories and analyse problems while conducting impact evaluation.
Impact Evaluation in Practice – Second Edition
This World Bank handbook offers a clear and user-friendly introduction to impact evaluation, particularly for policymakers and development practitioners. Drawing on practical, real-world examples, it provides step-by-step guidance on how to plan and carry out impact evaluations effectively. The handbook helps readers build a solid understanding of what impact evaluation is and how its findings can be applied to shape informed, evidence-based policies and programmes.
Case study #
Africa Innovation Lab Influence: 2023-2024 Update
The World Bank’s Africa Gender Innovation Lab (GIL) carries out impact evaluations and policy-oriented research to better understand what works in reducing gender inequalities. By generating evidence on gaps in income, productivity, asset ownership, and agency, GIL supports project teams and policymakers in developing practical, innovative, and scalable solutions to advance gender equality across the region.
Behind the Scenes: Experience Managing and Conducting Large Impact Evaluations in Colombia
This paper by Bertha Briceño, Laura Cuesta and Orazio Attanasio focuses on the need to map out the utilisation and influence of evaluations by describing and discussing experiences from four large impact evaluations in Colombia on a case- study basis. On the basis of their study, the authors derive five key lessons for conducting high-quality and influential impact evaluations.
References #
Designing an impact evaluation work plan: a step-by-step guide
