Setting assessment objectives

Setting assessment objectives is the first and most crucial step in any assessment process. It defines the purpose, scope, and expected outcomes of the assessment, and ensures that every further step of the assessment process is linked back to the use of the information it will provide. Without clear and agreed objectives, an assessment may lack direction, relevance, and quality, and will often include indicators and questions that are not used in decision making.

Download this document to help formulate clear and realistic objectives that will guide your assessment design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. By following the steps and examples in this document, you will be able to ensure that assessment objectives are aligned with information needs for programmatic and policy decisions, ensuring the assessment's impact and relevance.