Lessons learned

DEFINITION 1: Learning from experience that is applicable to a generic situation rather than to a specific circumstance.

SOURCE: Handbook on Monitoring and Evaluating for Results. UNDP, Evaluation Office, NY, 2002.

HYPERLINK: http://web.undp.org/evaluation/documents/handbook/me-handbook.pdf
 

DEFINITION 2: Generalizations based on evaluation experiences with projects, programs, or policies that abstract from the specific circumstances to broader situations. Frequently, lessons highlight strengths or weaknesses in preparation, design, and implementation that affect performance, outcome, and impact.

SOURCE: Glossary of key terms in evaluation and results based management. Development Co-operation Directorate, OECD Publications, Paris, 2002.

HYPERLINK: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/29/21/2754804.pdf

RELATED TERMS: benchmark, best practice