APEC Project Quality Assessment Criteria
APEC Project Quality Assessment Criteria
APEC members assess Relevance through the prioritization stage of the project cycle. Concept
Notes that are asked to complete full proposals are considered to reach satisfactory relevance. The
Secretariat assesses the remaining four criteria at the full proposal stage.
Proposals must reach a minimum score of 2 under each criterion to be considered for funding
approval.
Further information about each of the criterion is as follows:
Relevance: This looks at WHY a project is proposed. Relevance considers the extent to which
projects are needed and suited to achieving the priorities and objectives of the target group, the
recipient member economies and APEC as a whole. APEC Committee work plans and sub-fora
Working Group plans are an important reference point for what is relevant to a groups priorities.
Effectiveness: This examines HOW a project will take place, particularly how well a project
might reach its objectives.
To what extent are the objectives likely to be achieved are they realistic?
What is the APEC value-add? Why is this a good project for APEC?
Based on the particular issue being addressed, is the proposed approach a sound way to
achieve the objectives, and have other alternative approaches been examined?
Does the project take into account and or build on previous APEC activities with similar
objectives?
Efficiency: This also looks at HOW a project will take place, particularly measuring of the
outputs (services, goods) in relation to the inputs (cost of resources). Efficiency considers if the
project offers value for money and whether projects use the least costly resources allowed in order
to achieve the desired results.
Appendix F
Impact: This asks WHAT the project seeks to change. It includes possible impacts on key
stakeholders and effectiveness in addressing APEC values such as gender equity. Impact will
consider project risks and risk management, including the possible impact of external factors,
such as changes in terms of trade or financial conditions.
Sustainability: This looks at whether the benefits of a project are likely to continue after the
APEC project is completed. It has a longer term focus compared to other criterion.