CRITERIA OF EVALUATION
Relevance: Examining whether the intervention aligns with the needs and priorities of the
target population.
Effectiveness: Measuring the extent to which the intervention’s objectives are achieved.
Efficiency: Assessing how economically resources are used.
Impact: Evaluating the broader consequences (intended and unintended) of the
intervention.
Sustainability: Considering the longevity and continued impact of the intervention after
the primary inputs have been withdrawn.
Coherence: Examining how well the intervention fits with other interventions and broader
policy objectives.
Reference: Understanding what is evaluation. EvalCommunity. (2024, January 19).
https://www.evalcommunity.com/career-center/what-is-evaluation/
DIFFERENT LABELS FOR EVALUATION
The realm of evaluation encompasses a variety of processes, each known by different
labels, yet integral to the overarching goal of understanding and improving outcomes.
These include:
Review: This process involves a systematic examination of a project or program, focusing
on its effectiveness and areas for improvement. Reviews are typically retrospective,
analyzing what has been done to inform future actions.
Assessment: This is a broad term that covers the evaluation of processes, programs, or
performances. Assessments can be formative, providing ongoing feedback, or
summative, evaluating the outcome at the end of a process.
Impact Analysis: This specific type of evaluation measures the effects and long-term
outcomes of a program or initiative. It focuses on the change that has occurred as a direct
result of the intervention.
Social Impact Analysis: Similar to impact analysis, this specifically evaluates the social
ramifications and benefits of a program or policy, often considering wider societal
implications.
Appreciative Inquiry: This is a more collaborative and participatory form of evaluation.
It focuses on identifying what works well in an organization or program, rather than what
needs fixing.
Cost-Benefit Assessment: This method evaluates the effectiveness of a program by
comparing its costs to its benefits, providing a quantitative measure of its value and
efficiency.
Each of these labels represents a unique approach to evaluation, offering diverse
perspectives and methodologies to understand and enhance the effectiveness of various
programs and initiatives.
Reference: Understanding what is evaluation. EvalCommunity. (2024, January 19).
https://www.evalcommunity.com/career-center/what-is-evaluation/
PRINCIPLES OF EVALUATION
As an evaluator one must keep in mind following principles:
1. Clearly specify what is to be evaluated. Are you interested in evaluating
knowledge acquired or attitudes developed?
2. Select an evaluation technique in terms of its relevance to the characteristics
or performance to be measured. The tools for evaluating knowledge will be
different from the tools for evaluating attitudes.
3. Comprehensive evaluation requires a variety of evaluation techniques. Even
for evaluating knowledge you will require variety of test items (such as multiple
choice or short answer). This is a written test. You may require an oral test or a
open book examination to evaluate the knowledge base.
4. Awareness of limitations of evaluation techniques improves their use.
Principles run as follows:
Systematic Inquiry: Evaluators conduct systematic, data-based inquiries about
whatever is being evaluated.
Competence: Evaluators provide competent performance to stakeholders.
Integrity / Honesty: Evaluators ensure the honesty and integrity of the entire evaluation
process.
Respect for People: Evaluators respect the security, dignity and self-worth of the
respondents, program participants, clients, and other stakeholders with whom they
interact.
Responsibilities for General and Public Welfare: Evaluators articulate and take into
account the diversity of interests and values that may be related to the general and public
welfare.
Reference: General principles of evaluation. (n.d.). http://detonline.org/id/module7/principles.html
