The Development Effectiveness Review 2010—ADB's fourth annual corporate performance scorecard—shows that the overall quality of ADB's new and ongoing projects is high, with better design, shorter start-up time, and timely disbursement of funds. Notable organizational improvements included increased staffing in operations and field offices and the introduction of more efficient business processes. Independent assessments also found ADB's assistance to be effective and considered ADB as a leading institution in results-based management.

The scorecard noted that ADB remains broadly on track to meet the targets for physical outputs and beneficiaries for 2009-2012 in its core business areas of infrastructure, education, and finance.

However, the study also revealed a declining trend in development outcomes of recently completed projects, which were designed mostly from 2000 to2004. More than one-third of these projects did not fully deliver their intended outcomes.

"While the latest review shows significant improvement in many areas, we are concerned about the poor scores on outcome achievement and are taking corrective actions," said Rajat M. Nag, ADB's Managing Director General.

ADB will take further measures to respond to the latest findings, building on actions taken in 2010 to improve its performance. Measures to increase operational effectiveness will target improving project selection, design, and supervision, as well as sector and risk assessments. At the organizational level, ADB will continue to strengthen staff skills, intensify efforts to meet gender balance targets, and improve efficiency.

"These measures will ensure ADB's operational effectiveness, leading to better development outcomes and greater benefits for people in Asia and the Pacific," said Mr. Nag.

The review is an annual self-assessment tool, which incorporates a results scorecard system, allowing ADB to pinpoint where it has been successful, where challenges remain, and where remedial actions are required to achieve its long-term strategic goals. ADB is the only multilateral development bank to publish such a comprehensive, institution-wide scorecard report. The scorecard drives better decision-making at ADB and provides more accountability to stakeholders.