Activity Cycle Diagram
Click on the Activity Cycle Stage to see a summarised list of tools relevant to that stage
Stages of the Activity Cycle
Programming
The programming stage is when we consider the nature of the development challenges and how NZAID’s engagement can be best aligned with our partners’ development priorities, bearing in mind our guiding principles, policies, strategies and any areas of comparative advantage. Key drivers for our engagement will usually be an understanding of country context, strengthening aid effectiveness and ensuring that our efforts are appropriately focused.
Identification Stage
The Identification stage is when options are explored and choices are made about different possible Activities. The Activities we support need to be:
- consistent with our partners’ and NZAID’s policies and strategies, (including ‘cross-cutting issues’).
- relevant to intended beneficiaries’ priority development needs.
- feasible given the ‘risk environment’ in which they are intended to be implemented.
Design Stage
The design stage usually follows approval of the Activity concept note by all the key development partners. Its purpose is to develop a more detailed plan to guide the implementation of an Activity. This plan is then presented for appraisal in an Activity design document that builds on and adds to the information gathered during the identification stage.
Implementation Stage
The implementation stage begins once all the key development partners have agreed to proceed with the Activity as described in the Activity design document.
The purpose of the implementation stage is to ensure that the Activity goal is achieved. This requires the effective management of inputs and outputs, effective monitoring and evaluation, the management of any significant risks, and the continued close involvement of all key stakeholders.
Successful implementation requires a management approach that is focussed clearly on achieving development results, while remaining flexible, sensitive to changes, and reinforcing partnerships.
Evaluative Activities and Learning
Evaluative activities and learning take place at all stages in the Activity Cycle. An evaluative activity - such as an appraisal, review or evaluation - is a process of assessment, as systematic and objective as possible, of a planned, on-going or completed Activity. Achieving development results means that evaluative activities need to be closely linked to learning and to management decisions, both for NZAID and for our development partners.