Monitoring and evaluation are critical for all organizations. A monitoring and evaluation system enables managers and stakeholders to assess their organization's progress towards defined goals; make adjustments to its plans, activities, and special projects; determine the most efficient way to utilize resources; and enhance accountability.

Asia Policy Research works with organizations to establish monitoring and evaluation systems or to evaluate a program/project's relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.

Program Performance Audit Report (PPAR) of the Social Sector Program (SSP) in Thailand: Conducted an evaluation of the $500 million Social Sector Program Loan designed to support Thailand in addressing the social impacts of the 1997 financial crisis and the underlying social sector causes. The PPAR examined the impact of the wide-ranging policy reforms in labor and social welfare, education, and health. Identified key lessons learned for lending during crisis, additional policy reforms required, and loan management guidelines.

Evaluation of the Primary Health Care Expansion Project in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Conducted an overall evaluation of the 6-year, $25 million Primary Health Care Expansion Project (PHCEP) in Lao PDR to assist the project managers in understanding the extent to which the project achieved its goals and objectives, what were its major successes and shortcomings, what lessons could be learned and applied to future primary health care (PHC) projects, and how well the new PHC system is functioning. The objectives of PHCEP were to: (i) expand and improve access to quality PHC in the 8 northern provinces; and (ii) strengthen institutional capacity for PHC nationwide. Designed the evaluation methodology, conducted fieldwork in health facilities and remote villages, and evaluated all sub-components of the project, namely increasing access to PHC; improving quality of health care; strengthening reproductive health; promoting village health care; strengthening PHC coordination; standardizing PHC management systems; staff development for PHC management; and testing innovative financing approaches.

Monitoring and Evaluation System for CLVNet-II: Developed a participatory monitoring system for the Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Vietnam Vegetable Research Network, Phase II (CLVNET-II) project, focusing particularly on the socio-economic impact of the project’s activities. The services for CLVNet-II included capacity building for agricultural institutions in the three countries on the implementation of the monitoring system and applying the results for improved project management and accountability. Also conducted an evaluation of CLVNET-II’s outputs and socio-economic impact.

Program Evaluation of Business Development and Financial Services of the Industrial Promotion Center: Conducted an evaluation of the Business Development and Financial Services (BDFS) provided by Thailand's Ministry of Industry's Industrial Promotion Center (IPC) in Chiang Mai. The BDFS are aimed at building the capacities of SMEs and providing important support services. Also developed a methodology for all 11 IPCs to evaluate their respective services; strategies for networking, data collection and dissemination; and frameworks for client and networking partner databases.