Assessment vs Evaluation
The two terms, assessment and evaluation, are often understood in a similar sense; therefore, knowing the difference between assessment and evaluation can be of use to anyone. In other words, people think they can use these two words, evaluation and assessment, interchangeably as for most of them there is no difference between evaluation and assessment. In fact, assessment and evaluation are two different concepts with different meanings. Both of these concepts have many applications. They are, of course, used in other spheres of life, but their use in the business world is more important.
What does Evaluation mean?
According to the Oxford dictionary evaluation is “The making of a judgement about the amount, number, or value of something; assessment.”
In the business world, evaluation is carried out to analyse the impact of the actual project and to see whether it is in line with the agreed strategic plans. It makes a comparison between what was accomplished and the original objectives of the organization. It is a systematic and rigorous application of scientific methods to assess the business model, and to improve the outcomes of a project.
Moreover, evaluation reviews progress; it identifies problems in planning or implementation. Evaluation aims at outcomes.
What does Assessment mean?
In the general context, assessment means ” The action of assessing someone or something.”
On the other hand, in the business word, assessment is the process of documenting, usually in measurable terms, knowledge, skills, attitudes and faiths. Assessment is a business procedure that is focused on an individual employee. The factor of motivation plays an important role in assessing the skills of an employee.
It is important to know that assessment of employee skills helps a lot in the process of employee retention too. Employee retention has been a growing problem these days thanks to the proper lack of motivation in the employees.
Assessment paves the way for the final evaluation of the organization or the company as a whole. In other words, it can be said that assessment is the force behind the evaluation of a company or a firm. If the assessment ends up identifying the employees as a motivated lot, then the evaluation of the company is bound to be done with ease.
Assessment aims at execution. Only if the execution is good the company can see profits. If the execution is not up to the mark, then the organization is bound to fail. It is important for the managers in an organization to motivate the employees under them in a bid to make a good assessment about them in the course of time.
What is the difference between Assessment and Evaluation?
• Evaluation is carried out to analyse the impact of the actual project and to see whether it is in line with the agreed strategic plans.
• Assessment is the process of documenting, usually in measurable terms, knowledge, skills, attitudes and faiths.
• Assessment of employee skills can be very helpful to the organization.
• Assessment paves the way for the final evaluation of the organization or the company as a whole.
• Evaluation reviews progress; it identifies problems in planning or implementation.
• Evaluation aims at outcomes. Assessment aims at execution.
Further Reading:
- Difference Between Measurement and Evaluation
- Difference Between Monitoring and Evaluation
- Difference Between Audit and Evaluation