Evaluating how development organizations learn from their operations
Panel Discussion | Online
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Organized by:
Independent Evaluation Group
About the Event
Evaluating how development organizations learn from their operations is notoriously challenging considering the many sources and processes through which organizations learn and channel knowledge into their work. This panel discussion will unpack what goes into evaluating intangibles, such as learning and knowledge, towards greater development impact. The panel will draw from a recent evaluation by the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of how the World Bank fosters knowledge and learning in its operations. The evaluation was guided by the overall question of “how the World Bank can create optimal conditions for learning in and from its financing operations?” The evaluation develops a conceptual framework and methodology geared towards answering the above question; it employs a mixed methods approach that includes case studies, desk reviews, interviews, questionnaires, and quantitative analyses. This comprehensive approach aims to support the World Bank’s efforts to enhance its performance as a "Knowledge Bank," and it offers relevant lessons for other development organizations striving to improve their performance as knowledge organizations. This event will unpack these lessons and offer a unique opportunity for professionals, scholars, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and share innovative ideas on how they approach evaluation in the context of operational knowledge and learning.
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmus Heltberg | Lead Evaluation Officer, IEG | Rasmus Heltberg is a Lead Evaluation Specialist at the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank. He has led complex evaluations of the World Bank’s work on data for development, the WBG’s global convening power, the World Bank operating model, and the role of self-evaluation and M&E. |
| Stuti Sachdeva | Evaluation Officer, IEG | Stuti Sachdeva is an Evaluation Officer at the World Bank’s Independent Evaluation Group (IEG). She works across human capital, country programs, and corporate evaluations. Recently, she contributed to IEG’s evaluation on learning in lending and a thematic evaluation on adaptive social protection. |
Moderators
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Darlene Christopher | Senior Knowledge and Learning Officer, IEG | Darlene Christopher is a Senior Knowledge & Learning Officer at the World Bank Group, where she leads the Knowledge Management team within the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG). In her role, she facilitates learning from IEG’s evaluation knowledge across the World Bank Group (WBG). Her work ensures insights from evaluations contribute to better decision-making and outcomes in global development initiatives. Darlene’s career at the World Bank spans both regional and corporate roles, including extensive work in the Latin America and Asia regions. She has developed numerous knowledge and learning programs to support operations staff in these regions. Additionally, she co-led the development and delivery of the World Bank’s Results Academy, a flagship program aimed at improving the capacity of staff to achieve measurable results in their work. With over 20 years of experience designing and delivering knowledge and learning initiatives for global audiences, Darlene is a recognized expert in her field. She is the author of The Successful Virtual Classroom, which explores effective virtual learning strategies. Before joining the World Bank, Darlene held technology management positions at Disney Internet Group, Nextel, and 3Com, where she honed her skills managing global technology projects. |