Aspire

Aspire Benefits

Applicable to any type and scale of infrastructure project or programme
Useful throughout the whole project life cycle
Consistent framework enables objective comparison across countries or contexts

About This Software

ASPIRE is an essential tool for those funding, commissioning and implementing infrastructure projects in developing countries. This easy to use software allows organisations to evaluate the impact of their work and maximise their contribution to poverty reduction and sustainable development.

From housing programmes to sanitation, agriculture to transport, ASPIRE enables organisations to identify opportunities and gaps and deliver a pro-poor sustainable programme.

ASPIRE is the only tool that provides organisations with an analytical framework that comprehensively addresses the three ‘pillars’ of sustainability, environment, society, economics and uniquely recognises institutions as a fourth critical dimension in developing country contexts. It uses over 90 detailed indicators to ensure that you are asking the right questions and considering the critical issues.

This highly intuitive software is ideally suited for use throughout the project cycle, from inception to completion. It can be used as an ongoing programme management tool to identify priorities and support informed decision making whilst the project is underway. Equally it is valuable as an evaluation tool to assess project performance and to promote wider organisational learning.

Arup International Development and Engineers Against Poverty, offer a variety of important services to help support your organisations use of ASPIRE.

ASPIRE Examples

Development of ASPIRE

ASPIRE was developed through a unique partnership between Arup and Engineers Against Poverty and was the result of an intensive two year research, consultation and testing programme. It was supported by funding from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) R&D Enabling Fund, Arup Design and Technical Fund and EAP programme resources. ASPIRE has been successfully used by a wide range of organisations including Habitat for Humanity, UNOPS, DfID, PIDG, Belgian Red Cross and the University of Cape Town.

The development of the programme included:

Comparative analysis of leading assessment frameworks
Identification of a comprehensive indicator set to define sustainable pro-poor infrastructure.
Analysis to ensure ASPIRE can be used at key stages throughout the project life cycle.
Development and testing of software on a broad range of projects.

For more information download the Research and Development Report, download a printable flyer or contact us at aspire@arup.com.

Quick Overview

Sustainability Poverty and Infrastructure Routine for Evaluation.

Testimonials

I think ASPIRE is a truly fantastic idea and … a good framework for us to use for assessment on a global scale on our infrastructure development projects. – Braye Sutherland, Global Practice Leader - Infrastructure, UNOPS

During the project design phase, the InfraCo Africa project development team found the ASPIRE exercise to be a valuable internal management process, as it objectively highlighted areas where the project needed further inputs and resources. – Smita Biswas, DiFD Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG)

The programme is comprehensive and raised a great deal of important issues, many of which had not previously been thought of. – Belgian Red Cross

Features

ASPIRE presents a unique, holistic framework for assessing the long-term impacts of infrastructure projects in developing countries.

Key features of ASPIRE include:

The only tool on the market with integrated evaluation of poverty reduction & sustainability performance, critical in a developing country context.
Celebrates successful aspects of projects and enables positive identification of opportunities.
Useful throughout the whole project life cycle: from inception through to maintenance, to inform decision making and monitor performance.
Valuable for use as an evaluation tool to understand the impact of the programme and to capture organisational learning.
Intuitive interface and built in help functions make completing assessments and generating high quality outputs straightforward.
Simple to use and understand. ASPIRE has been designed for those who may not have specialist knowledge of sustainability and poverty reduction issues.
Application of a consistent framework and the clear graphical outputs generated enables objective comparison across countries or contexts

ASPIRE

For more information download the Research and Development Report, download a printable flyer or contact us at aspire@arup.com.

Product Comparison

A range of services is available to help you and your organisation get the most out of ASPIRE.

Services Available

Independent ASPIRE assessments as an ongoing monitoring or programme management tool to define the long-term sustainability goals and priorities of your project
Undertake independent ASPIRE evaluations to review the success of completed projects and inform future programme development
Review assessments that have been carried out independently, offering advice and quality assurance
Support customisation and integration of ASPIRE into your existing monitoring and evaluation frameworks
Training for individuals or organisations

Benefits of engaging Arup International Development or Engineers Against Poverty to undertake an independent evaluation?

Independent , third-party assessments provide donors or external parties with objective feedback
High quality ASPIRE assessment delivered by specialists in sustainability and international development
Expert technical and strategic recommendations based on findings of ASPIRE report, clearly identifying next steps

How we work?

Participatory approach to data collection working closely with key stakeholders, including- communities, local staff and project partners to ensure accurate assessment
Assessment can be carried out in collaboration with local staff, providing training in sustainability assessments and participatory rapid appraisal techniques

For more information download the Research and Development Report, download a printable flyer or contact us at aspire@arup.com.