The World Bank, operating in a complex, diverse, and changing environment, provides financial advice and support to developing nations that range from macro-economic management to project design. Major changes in management systems have occurred during the 1980s and are reflected in the bank's assistance in: (1) analytical support of policy implementation; (2) mobilization and coordination of external resources; and (3) lending and institutional support. Financial support is the most visible and tangible aspect of the World Bank's assistance, and this document describes how it is provided and how time frames and staff costs are measured. Key stages in the bank's lending cycle include: (1) identification of a country's specific investment proposals and programs; (2) preparation of materials needed for pre-financing decision making; (3) technical, financial, economic, and institutional viability appraisals in relation to suitability for World Bank financing; (4) negotiations concerning the scope, terms, and conditions involved in financing an operation; (5) the implementation period; and (6) the evaluation of a completed project. Case studies and graphs are included. (JHP)