Editing Evaluation (section)

{{Short description|Systematic determination of a subject's merit, worth and significance}}
{{About|characterizing and appraising something of interest}}
In [[common usage]], '''evaluation''' is a [[system]]atic determination and assessment of a subject's merit, worth and significance, using criteria governed by a set of [[Standardization|standards]]. It can assist an organization, program, design, project or any other intervention or initiative to assess any aim, realizable concept/proposal, or any alternative, to help in [[decision-making]]; or to generate the degree of achievement or value in regard to the aim and [[Goal|objectives]] and results of any such action that has been completed.<ref>{{cite web|title=2. What Is Evaluation?|url=http://www.icap.org/PolicyTools/Toolkits/EvaluationToolkit/2WhatIsEvaluation/tabid/441/Default.aspx|work=International Center for Alcohol Policies - Analysis. Balance. Partnership.|publisher=International Center for Alcohol Policies|access-date=13 May 2012|author=Staff|year=1995–2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504022520/http://www.icap.org/PolicyTools/Toolkits/EvaluationToolkit/2WhatIsEvaluation/tabid/441/Default.aspx|archive-date=2012-05-04|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The primary purpose of evaluation, in addition to gaining [[insight]] into prior or existing initiatives, is to enable [[Human self-reflection|reflection]] and assist in the identification of future change.<ref>{{cite web|title=WHAT is evaluation?|url=http://www.evaluationtrust.org/evaluation/evaluate|work=Evaluation Trust|publisher=The Evaluation Trust|access-date=13 May 2012|author=Sarah del Tufo|date=13 March 2002|archive-date=30 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430081551/http://www.evaluationtrust.org/evaluation/evaluate|url-status=dead}}</ref> Evaluation is often used to characterize and appraise subjects of interest in a wide range of human enterprises, including the [[arts]], [[criminal justice]], [[foundation (charity)|foundations]], [[non-profit organization]]s, [[government]], [[health care]], and other human services. It is long term and done at the end of a period of time.