Evaluation is the systematic and objective assessment of an ongoing or completed policy, plan, or programme, including its design, implementation, and results. It aims to assess the relevance and fulfilment of objectives and strategies with the intention of informing decision-making. ‘Formative’ evaluation relates to ongoing activities and helps guide implementation. ‘Summative’ evaluation assesses the results of a particular initiative, after completion.

The process or results of an assessment or appraisal in relation to stated objectives, standards, or criteria. In vocational education and training, may be applied to organisations, programs, policies, courses, etc.

The systematic and objective assessment of an on-going or completed project, programme or policy, its design, implementation and results. The aim is to determine the relevance and fulfillment of objectives, development efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. An evaluation should provide information that is credible and useful, enabling the incorporation of lessons learned into the decision–making process of both recipients and donors. Evaluation also refers to the process of determining the worth or significance of an activity, policy or program. An assessment, as systematic and objective as possible, of a planned, on-going, or completed development intervention.