Building on previous reflections on the utility of systematic reviews in international development research, this paper describes an approach to carrying out a literature review that adheres to some of the core principles of ‘full’ systematic reviews, but that also contains space within the process for innovation and reflexivity.

This report aims to inform an ongoing dialogue about the implementation of public financial management (PFM) improvements in Nepal, including their prioritization and sequencing in the prevailing political context. It provides a “reality check” on the strengths and weaknesses of the existing PFM system and focuses on nontechnical aspects such as institutional and political factors. The study was conducted as a joint initiative between the government and its development partners.