ABSTRACT
This chapter presents instruments and procedures that can help to assure quality. It provides a definition of quality, while limiting itself to a discussion of one particular instrument, namely evaluation. The chapter addresses expectations placed on evaluation from various quarters, with reference to the cross-connections between the two areas in need of action. It explores the reference levels for the assessment of evaluation quality. The chapter also presents an instrument useful in helping to ensure quality in evaluation, namely the evaluation standards approved by Swiss Evaluation Society (SEVAL). It illustrates possible ways in which one can ensure quality in evaluation practice using the SEVAL Standards. The SEVAL Standards are based on the premise that an evaluation should at once be useful, feasible, proper, and accurate so as to fulfill the demands placed on it: good evaluations should therefore demonstrate all these characteristics.
