evalueringsmålet

Evalueringsmålet is a term used in Nordic contexts to describe the intended outcomes of an evaluation. It states what will be assessed, why it matters, and how success will be judged. The concept is common in public sector programs, education, and research projects, and is often linked to related planning terms such as evalueringsplan.

Purpose and scope: The evalueringsmålet guides the design of the evaluation, including the questions asked, the data to collect, and the methods of analysis. It helps ensure the evaluation remains relevant to stakeholders, aligned with program goals, and capable of supporting informed decision‑making and accountability.

Components: Typical elements include the evaluation questions, the criteria for success (for example relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability), the aspects of the program to be evaluated, and the time frame for the assessment.

Development: The evalueringsmålet is usually developed in collaboration with stakeholders and is linked to a logic model or theory of change that maps inputs and activities to expected outcomes and impacts.

Indicators and data: For each criterion, concrete indicators and data sources are defined, along with data collection and analysis methods, and any targets or thresholds that indicate achievement.

Examples: In education, an evalueringsmålet might aim to determine whether a new reading program improves fluency by a specified percentage within a school year. In a social program, it could assess whether services reduce unemployment or improve well‑being in a target group.

See also: evaluation plan, logic model, performance measurement.