prævurdering

Prævurdering, or pre-evaluation, is an early, provisional assessment conducted before a full evaluation, project approval, or major decision. It aims to establish whether a proposal or plan is viable, what information is needed, and what potential risks or challenges must be addressed. The goal is to inform decision-making and avoid investing resources in ventures likely to fail.

The process typically involves clarifying the scope and objectives, identifying relevant stakeholders, and collecting initial data. A set of criteria or questions is used to screen the proposal, and a preliminary risk and impact assessment is conducted. Often, a brief report or memo documents the assumptions, identified gaps, and recommended next steps, including whether to proceed to a more comprehensive assessment.

Prævurdering is used in a variety of contexts. In education, it may determine readiness or placement for courses or programs. In project management and public procurement, it serves as a feasibility screening to decide whether to continue with a full feasibility study or formal bidding process. In policy development and healthcare, it can screen potential programs or treatment pathways to prioritize resources and design further analyses.

Outcomes of a prævurdering include a go/no-go decision, a plan for further data collection, revised scope, or modified timelines. While it informs subsequent steps, it is not a binding or final assessment and may be revisited as new information emerges. Limitations include reliance on limited data and the risk of biased judgments if the initial appraisal is incomplete.