The evaluation activities provided by the CSF intend to ensure the effective performance of actions co-financed by the Community Structural Funds: a system implemented at level of each programme and standardised as for methodologies procedures, techniques and contents.
The main aim of evaluation analysis is to carefully examine the implementation and performance process of 2000-2006 CSF and OPs programming and control its effectiveness.
The evaluation analysis of actions effectiveness are based on the following criteria:
attainment of the economic and social cohesion objectives envisaged by the Treaties
achievement of the specific objectives provided by CSF, OPs and Development Plans, etc.
Ex-ante Evaluation
Ex-ante evaluation is an integral part of and an analytical tool for the design of plans, actions and programme complement. As envisaged by the Art. 41 of the EC Regulation No. 1260/99, containing general rules on Structural Funds, the Authorities encharged with ex-ante evaluation analysis are those responsible for the design and programming of the three above-mentioned phases (plans, actions and programme complement) for each Member-State.
Ex-ante evaluation approach is based on the methodology of SWOT analysis (Strenghts – Weaknesses - Opportunities - Threats) for a specific sector or country (Member State, Region, priority). In coherence with such criteria the adopted strategy is evaluated on the basis of an objectives/results approach.
Ex-ante evaluation analyses cover the following aspects:
analysis of the results attained in the 1994-1999 period and use of best experiences
SWOT analysis detailed at level of priority and action sector
analysis of the labour market trends in Southern Italy
evaluation of gender equality in the labour market and employment situations
analysis of environmental situation through indicators of key sectors (water, soil, pollution air, wastes) and corresponding impact of substainable and proposed development strategy
analysis of enhancement impact on production
examination of inner coherence between strategic analysis (SWOT) and specific objectives in order to guarantee the proper allocation of resources in accordance with the possible impact of each priority area
Mid-term Evaluation
On the basis of ex-ante evaluation, the mid-term evaluation examines the early outcomes of the actions, their strategic coherence and the level of objectives attainment.
It aims at assessing the employment of funds, monitoring and implementation of processes (EC Regulation No. 1260/99, Art. 42). From the results of this phase arise the criteria for the ex-post evaluation.
Encharged with mid-term evaluation is the Member State in agreement with the European Commission, responsible for pertinence control. It is developed by independent evaluators in the form of mid-term evaluation reports by 31 December 2003. A final update of mid-term evaluation is provided by 31 dicembre 2005.
Evaluation procedures, methodologies and techniques are chosen and shared through National CSF Evaluation System on the basis of specific indicators adopted for the monitoring and assessing of CSF and OPs, both Regional and Sectoral. By 2005 the CSF-OPs actions provided up to 2006, must be updated on the basis of mid-term evaluation outcomes.
Ex-post Evaluation
On the basis of ex-ante and mid-term evaluation, the ex-post evaluation reports on the employment of national and Community resources, the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions and their real impact (Art. 43 of EC general Regulation on Structural Funds No. 1260/99).
Ex-post evaluation also aims at outlining best practices for economic and social policy. The analysis focuses on the best or worst practices arisen during the implementation, achievements and outcomes attained, also on account of their duration.
Developed by independent evaluators appointed by the European Commission, it must be completed within three years after the end of the programming period.
Calls for proposals - 2000-2006 CSF Mid-Term Evaluation
All the documents (it) are in PDF format and the programme Acrobat Reader is necessary for opening, (
free download Acrobat Reader 5.0).
Evaluation
