Results of a multi-donor funded research program managed by the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) entitled Capacity, Change and Performance. This program looked at how capacity develops and is sustained.
The paper entitled Framework uses the concepts from the study to propose a new way of looking at capacity, distinguishing between individual competencies – what individuals can do - and collective or organizational capabilities – the abilities of an organization to carry out regular functions such as service delivery. These two combine with the context and whatever capacity development processes that are occurring either locally or externally to produce system capacity. This capacity includes such issues as legitimacy, sustainability and resilience or the ability to adapt to shocks.
If you are interested in more information on the study as a whole, a policy brief summarizes the rather lengthy report. It can be found here.
This conceptualisation of capacity and capacity development uses a systems approach which is explained in another policy brief that you will find here.
And for those who are really intrepid, the main study can be found here.
Also by clicking here you will find a case applying the framework which came out of the main study to assess progress in developing capacity in the legal aid office in Papua New Guinea. This is a qualitative approach with markers (as opposed to quantitative indicators) developed late in the life of the program.
A slightly different version of the framework is being used extensively to assess programs financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has also been used to evaluate the development work of some Belgian NGOs.