| D | |
| Data | Description of results |
| Data collection method | Discretionary action |
| Data collection tool | Discretionary external evaluation |
| Data source | Discretionary internal evaluation/Self-evaluations |
Specific quantitative and qualitative information or facts that are collected.
See: “Data collection tool”, ”Data collection method”, “Data source”
The mode of collection to be used when gathering information and data on a given indicator of achievement or evaluation. Collection methods include the review of records, surveys, interviews, or content analysis. The term is one of the elements of the indicator methodology form for reporting through IMDIS.
See also: “IMDIS”, “Methodology form”
Instrument used to collect information for use in performance assessment, self-evaluation and external evaluation. Examples are mail, telephone, in-person and web-based surveys, direct or participatory observation, interviews, focus groups, expert opinion, case studies, literature search, and content analysis of internal and external records. The data collection tools must be strong enough to support the findings of the evaluation.
The origin of the data or information collected. Data sources may include informal and official records, individuals, documents, etc. This term is one of the elements of the indicator methodology form for reporting through IMDIS.
See also: “IMDIS”, “Methodology form”
Succinct statement based on the data collected on the performance measures at the indicator of achievement level. It interprets and articulates such data in a results oriented language. A field is available in IMDIS for reporting on preliminary and final results for each indicator of achievement.
See also: “Accomplishment" ,”Accomplishment account”, “Indicator of achievement”, “Highlights of programme results”
A decision, taken by a programme manager on changes made to the programme design and/or implementation, to produce more efficient and effective outcomes. Addition, termination, postponement of outputs can be effected through discretionary measures.
See also: “Additional output”
An evaluation requested by programme managers inthe United Nations Secretariat and managed and conducted by entities outside the programme being evaluated such as theJoint Inspection Unit (JIU) or the Office of Internal oversight Services (OIOS), or any external evaluator. In this type of evaluation, the programme manager requests the JIU, OIOS or the external evaluator, to design, manage and/or conduct the evaluation, while the programme manager's role is as the "evaluaee".
Discretionary external evaluations are primarily useful for programme managers who wish to improve the performance of their programmes on the basis of objective assessments, though they may also be useful to support decision-making at the governance level.
See also: "External evaluation", "Internal evaluation", "In-depth evaluation"
These are optional, non-mandatory evaluations conducted by programme managers for their own use. They address issues that are over and above those covered by Mandatory Internal Evaluation/Self-assessments. They are normally not required to be reported upon at the intergovernmental level. While manages may contract external consultants and specialists to help with the exercise, these evaluatons are considered internal or self-evaluations because the programme managers remain responsible for the design and/or management of the evaluation, and are ultimately responsible for the quality of the reports and for using the results to improve operations. Such self-evaluations are useful when formulating best-practices and lessons-learned and can cover cross-cutting issues relevant to a number of subprogrammes.
See also: "External evaluation", "Internal evaluation", "Mandatory internal evaluation/Self-assessments"