evaluerning

Evaluerning is a systematic process of assessing the value, quality, or effectiveness of a program, project, policy, or activity through evidence. In many Scandinavian languages the term is used as a cognate of evaluation, reflecting a focus on judging outcomes and learning from results. The practice spans sectors such as education, health, public administration, development, business, and nonprofit work.

A typical evaluerning aims to determine effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability, and can serve formative purposes (to improve ongoing work) or summative purposes (to inform judgments about final results). The process usually involves planning with clear criteria and indicators, collecting data from multiple sources, analyzing findings, and communicating conclusions and recommendations. Common data sources include surveys, interviews, observations, program documents, and administrative records. Qualitative and quantitative methods are often combined, with triangulation used to strengthen validity.

Frameworks and tools frequently used in evaluerning include logic models or theories of change to map inputs, activities, and outcomes; rubrics or scoring guides to rate quality; dashboards for monitoring indicators; and cost-benefit or cost-effectiveness analyses for economic judgment. Ethical considerations emphasize transparency, stakeholder involvement, informed consent, privacy protection, and efforts to minimize bias.

Limitations of evaluerning include attribution challenges, resource demands, and sensitivity to context. Despite these, well-executed evaluerning supports better decision-making, accountability, and organizational learning by turning evidence into actionable recommendations.