16. Evaluation

The term Evaluation describes a detailed, one-off objective driven review or audit of a project's performance and includes:

• The development of an Evaluation Plan as part of a STAG study to outline how Evaluation will be undertaken post-implementation;
• Process Evaluation - this is carried out early in the life of a project, before its full effects are known and concentrates on whether input (activity) and output objectives are being/have been met;
• Outcome Evaluation - this is carried out once sufficient time has elapsed for the project to have delivered its principle outcomes, and assesses whether the outcome objectives have been achieved, and whether this has been done effectively and efficiently; and
• The development of an Evaluation Report based on the outputs from the process and Outcome Evaluation undertaken.

The Scottish Government and Transport Scotland require Evaluation to be undertaken and documented for any option for which it provides funding or approval.