After seven successful years, CEval’s collaboration with the University of Bern and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank on the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) has come to an end. CEval is proud to have played a pivotal role in further shaping and delivering IPDET, which has made significant strides in advancing evaluation capacities and practices on a global scale.
A Remarkable Year for IPDET
With a total of 166 participants from 71 countries, IPDET On-Site 2024 was the 24th anniversary of the program and the fifth On-Site program hosted in Switzerland. It began with an inspiring keynote speech by Prof. Reinhard Stockmann, Director of the Center for Evaluation and founder of CEval GmbH, titled “The Contribution of Evaluation to Create a Better World.” His message that “Evaluation does not survive as an island” resonated deeply with participants.
The keynote prepared the participants for the core course on the theoretical and practical foundations of evaluation, which was conducted by Prof. Stockmann and Prof. Wolfgang Meyer (Saarland University), Dr. Stefanie Krapp (University of Bern) and Dr. Candice Morkel (CLEAR-AA).
Prof. Reinhard Stockmann gave an opening speech for IPDET On-Site 2024.
Core Course instructors, from left to right, Prof. Dr. Reinhard Stockmann, Dr. Candice Morkel, Dr. Stefanie Krapp, and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Meyer.
During the workshop week, CEval experts delivered workshops “Quantitative data collection: planning and conducting surveys” (Dr. Stefan Silvestrini, CEval GmbH) and “Developing monitoring and evaluation systems in organizations” (Prof. Dr. Stockmann, Prof. Dr. Meyer).
The workshops’ common goal was to teach participants, especially from governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as multilateral development organizations, how to set up impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation systems, collect and evaluate data in a methodologically sound manner, and ensure the validity of the evaluation results.
Participants’ feedback was once again outstanding this year — with satisfaction rates of over 94 percent in both workshops.
In his workshop “Quantitative Data Collection: Planning and Implementing Surveys”, Dr. Silvestrini provided basic knowledge on planning and conducting standardized surveys.
Prof. Stockmann and Prof. Meyer’s workshop “Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Systems in Organizations” dealt with the topic of institutionalizing evaluation.
Alongside delivering practical knowledge through workshops, IPDET 2024 fostered rich and engaging dialogue with participants. Prof. Stockmann led a Fishbowl Discussion on the “Driving and Hindering Forces for the Institutionalization of Evaluation,” sparking insightful conversations among participants.
In addition to the On-Site program in Bern, IPDET once again expanded its outreach through various events. In September, Prof. Meyer conducted an online workshop on the topic of “Indicator Development.” And finally, in October, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Krapp delivered an intensive four-day training on “Fundamentals of Evaluation” for the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah, tailored to build evaluation capacities among bank staff.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
CEval’s partnership with IPDET began in 2018, forming a collaboration with the University of Bern’s Center for Continuing Education (ZUW) and the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG) of the World Bank. Since 2021, IPDET has been a key implementing partner of the Global Evaluation Initiative (GEI).
One of CEval’s major contributions to IPDET included the development of a comprehensive concept paper on “The Evaluation Capacity Development Approach of IPDET,” which became the blueprint for a revamped, highly effective program structure, and also the development of a Global Outreach Strategy. CEval’s experts have consistently enhanced the core course curriculum, bringing deep expertise and professional insight to both foundational and advanced workshops. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CEval helped IPDET transition to virtual formats, launching the program’s first Evaluation Hackathon and expanding IPDET’s reach to participants around the world.
Throughout the partnership, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Silvestrini served on the IPDET Steering Group, playing crucial roles in program strategy and quality assurance. Meanwhile, CEval’s broader team supported essential functions, from participant registration to communication efforts, to ensure smooth program operations and a positive experience for all involved.
Throughout the partnership, Prof. Stockmann and Dr. Silvestrini served on the IPDET Steering Group. CEval’s broader team this year— Dzoara Santoyo, Hilde Folger, and Clara Law (from the left to right in picture three)— supported essential functions, from participant registration to communication efforts.
Gratitude and Farewell to the IPDET Community
As this phase of partnership concludes, IPDET Head of Program Dr. Stefanie Krapp reflects on the collaboration:
“Deep appreciation goes to the whole CEval team for the successful cooperation, their enthusiasm and commitment, and their valuable contributions to the professionalization of evaluation: Prof. Dr. Reinhard Stockmann, Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Meyer, Dr. Stefan Silvestrini, Laszlo Szentmarjay, Dzoara Santoyo, Clara Law, Hilde Folger, and Vanessa Krieger.”
Prof. Stockmann extended his thanks to IPDET participants and the community, stating:
“After seven years of collaboration, CEval is proud to have contributed to the development of a curriculum that has reached a diverse global audience. We are grateful to have helped so many people enhance their evaluation skills, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all IPDET participants for their trust and support throughout this journey. We are excited to see the impact you will make with your work. While we at CEval dedicate ourselves to new challenges, we are curious to see how IPDET will evolve and what further opportunities for collaboration will arise in the future.”
IPDET Head of Program Dr. Stefanie Krapp thanks CEval’s contribution to the program.
Prof. Stockmann encouraged participants to continue to make an impact through evaluation at the IPDET On-Site graduation.
Read the IPDET 2024 Evaluation Report here.
Photo: IPDET/Alexander Egger
