The selection of a representative part of a universe in order to assess parameters or characteristics of that universe. Random sampling is the selection of a group of subjects (the sample) from a larger group (the population or universe), so that each individual or other unit is chosen entirely by chance.
Self-evaluation is a systematic assessment carried out by those entrusted with the design and delivery of a programme, the findings of which are used to improve planning, performance and programme results.
See also: “Evaluation”, "Internal Evaluation", "Discretionary internal evaluation/Self-evaluation", "Mandatory internal evaluation/Self-assessments"
See also:“IMDIS”, “Results-based management (RBM)”, “Monitoring”
Agencies, organizations, groups or individuals who have a direct or indirect role and interest in the objectives and implementation of a programme or project and its evaluation. In participatory evaluation, stakeholders assume an increased role in the evaluation process as question-makers, evaluation planners, data gatherers and problem solvers.
See also: “End-user”, “Beneficiary”
A succinct synopsis of accomplishments achieved relative to the Expected Accomplishment which is based on and distilled from the Accomplishment Account. It captures the key facts of what was achieved in this regard during the biennium.
See also: “Accomplishment account”, “IMDIS”, “Results-based management (RBM)”, “Programme performance report (PPR)”
An evaluation of a particular issue, often cross-cutting, with significant implications for the major priorities of Member States and the Secretariat with high risks to stakeholders. Its timing may be especially important owing to the urgency of the issue which poses high risks to, and has generated conflicting views from stakeholders.
A subprogramme consists of activities within a programme aimed at achieving one or a few closely related objectives as set out in the strategic framework. The subprogramme structure shall correspond, to the extent possible, to an organizational unit, normally at the division level.
See also: “Budget fascicle”
An output category covering the provision of core counselling, advice and reporting services to UN meetings and consultations, both formal and informal, of intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly and its sessional bodies; the Security Council; the ECOSOC and its sessional bodies; the subsidiary organs of the General Assembly, the Security Council and ECOSOC and those of suborgans/working groups of those subsidiary bodies; consultations of the treaty bodies; the other organs/conferences held under the United Nations auspices and their subsidiary bodies; and Pledging conferences. Informal meetings are only those scheduled with interpretation. Technical services such as interpretation and translation are not part of substantive servicing. Servicing of a three-hour meeting is considered as one output.
See also: “Output category”
A study conducted by independent evaluators at the end of a project or programme to measure extent to which anticipated results were achieved; ascertain the effectiveness and relevance of approaches and strategies; indicate early signs of impact; and recommend what interventions to promote or abandon. Summative or Terminal evaluation is intended to provide information about the merit and worth of the project or programme.
See also: “Evaluation”
Systematic collection of information from defined respondents through the administration of a structured questionnaire in person, by telephone, by mail, or by web. A survey can be administered to the universe of all respondents or to a sample of that universe.
The extent to which the impact of the programme or project will last after its termination; the probability of continued long-term benefits.
See also: “Impact”
The process of identifying relationships between variables and aggregating data with a view to reducing complexity and drawing conclusions.
See also: “Data”