The special evaluation studies build on the primary assessments covered by Completion and Audit Reports and Impact Evaluations. Those primary evaluation products for specific projects generate data, findings, and lessons that support the special evaluation studies which examine the impact of a number of projects and their implications for the World Bank's policies, practices, and procedures. The special evaluation studies cover topics and issues raised by the Executive Directors and by management and operations staff as well those emerging from audit work. The studies focus on countries, sectors, Bank processes and policies, and broad themes.

• Sector Studies- Address the effectiveness of Bank programs on sector policies and on project selection, design, and implementation. Many of the sector studies compare experiences across countries (examples include studies of human resource development, Bank experience in the Education Sector, and rural water supplies), whereas others are in-depth reviews of particular sectors in individual countries (e.g., educational development in Korea, population policies and programs in Kenya).

• Process- Studies Evaluate the Bank's business processes from a development perspective. These studies examine how well the Bank applies its policies and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Bank business practices. Examples include: studies of: poverty assessments; Environmental Impact Assessments and Action Plans; and Project Appraisals.

• Policy Reviews- Examples of topics covered by such studies include: experience with agricultural research; fiscal management; financial sector reform; and experience in large dams.

• Thematic Studies- Examine broad themes that encompass multiple sectors and countries and themes of special emphasis for the Bank, such as: resettlement policy; gender; anti-corruption; and poverty alleviation.

The content of the files for the special studies varies but the more complete files contain: drafts and final copies of an Initiating Memorandum (IM), a Study Design Paper, and an Approach Paper; comments on these initial documents from OED staff and from members of the Committee on Development Effectiveness (CODE) or its predecessor, the Joint Audit Committee (JAC); Terms of Reference for the OED staff members and/or consultants assigned to the study; copies of previously issued Bank and OED reports, studies, and audits relating to the study topic; Back-to-Office Reports from study missions; intra-OED memoranda regarding methodology, schedules, and progress on the study; various drafts of the study with comments on the drafts from OED staff, Bank staff in other units, representatives of other development and aid organizations, and officials in client countries; drafts of the DGO's comments to CODE (or JAC) regarding the evaluation; minutes of CODE (or JAC) meetings at which the study was discussed; drafts of the DGO's transmittal memorandum to the Executive Directors and the President; and summaries of discussions and minutes of meetings of the Executive Directors at which the study was discussed; copies of the OED Precis and Fast Track Brief relating to the study; and copies of letters transmitting the final report to interested parties.