What is the difference between a post-implementation review and a strategic evaluation?

1 What is a post-implementation review?

A post-implementation review is a type of project evaluation that focuses on the final stage of a strategy implementation. It aims to measure the performance, benefits, and costs of a specific project or initiative that was part of a larger strategy. A PIR usually answers questions such as: Did the project deliver the expected results? Was it completed on time and within budget? What were the main challenges and lessons learned? How can the project be improved or sustained in the future? A PIR typically involves collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data from various sources, such as project documents, stakeholders, surveys, and indicators.

2 What is a strategic evaluation?

A strategic evaluation is a type of organizational evaluation that focuses on the overall effectiveness and relevance of a strategy. It aims to assess the alignment, coherence, and impact of a strategy in relation to its vision, mission, goals, and context. A SE usually answers questions such as: How well did the strategy address the needs and expectations of the target audience? How consistent and integrated were the strategic objectives and actions? What were the intended and unintended outcomes and impacts of the strategy? How can the strategy be adapted or revised to respond to changing circumstances? A SE typically involves conducting a systematic and participatory analysis of the strategy design, implementation, and outcomes, using various methods and tools, such as logic models, SWOT analysis, and stakeholder feedback.

3 How are they different?

The main difference between PIR and SE is the level of analysis and the time frame. A PIR is more focused and specific, as it evaluates a single project or initiative that has been completed or is nearing completion. A SE is more comprehensive and broad, as it evaluates the entire strategy or a major component of it, over a longer period of time. A PIR is more concerned with the efficiency and effectiveness of the project, while a SE is more concerned with the relevance and impact of the strategy. A PIR is more retrospective and descriptive, as it reports what happened and why, while a SE is more prospective and prescriptive, as it suggests what should happen and how.

4 How are they related?

Although PIR and SE are different methods of evaluation, they are not mutually exclusive or isolated. They are both part of a continuous cycle of strategic management, where planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation are interlinked and inform each other. A PIR can provide valuable inputs and feedback for a SE, as it can highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a project, and the factors that influenced its success or failure. A SE can also inform and guide a PIR, as it can set the criteria and standards for measuring the performance and benefits of a project, and the indicators and methods for collecting and analyzing data. Therefore, PIR and SE can complement and reinforce each other, and help improve the quality and outcomes of a strategy.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?