Impact Evaluation of the Business Development Program for the Software Industry in Uruguay

The purpose of this impact evaluation is to assess the success of the Business Development Program for the Software Industry in Uruguay in achieving and sustaining results over time. The evaluation had six general objectives: The impact assessment combined an overall program lifecycle analysis with an assessment of specific program outputs and outcome. In regard to the program lifecycle, Dalberg Global Development Advisors looked at four stages: (i) design of the program (assumptions and diagnostic studies that influenced program component choices; alignment with country strategy and reflection of country realities); (ii) implementation (quality standards and best practices; monitoring of program activities according to set timelines; quality of internal processes; and continuity of dialogue between CUTI and MIF); (iii) supervision (MIF's level of involvement in program follow-up; actions taken by MIF to implement intermediate recommendations; checks and balances, adaptability, and process for overcoming obstacles); and (iv) evaluation (review of outputs/outcomes; planned vs. actual outputs; accomplishment of goals; quality of implementation and supervision; response to beneficiary needs; and significance of observed change and counterfactual).