Meaning
Standardized set of procedures used to determine the value or performance of an operation ensures objectivity across different time periods. An evaluation protocol provides the specific steps, metrics and weights used to arrive at a formal conclusion. The consistency of this process allows for the comparison of results from different years or departments.
Procedural Rigor
Steps involved in the assessment must be followed exactly to maintain the integrity of the data. If the evaluation protocol is altered mid-way, the resulting figures cannot be reliably compared to previous findings. This rigor prevents the introduction of bias or the masking of poor performance.
The documentation of each step ensures that the process is repeatable by a third party.
Weighting Factor
Relative importance assigned to different metrics determines the final score of the evaluation. Within an evaluation protocol, certain outcomes are prioritized over others based on the strategic goals of the founder. These weights are set before the data collection begins to avoid the temptation of adjusting the results to fit a desired outcome.
Audit Limit
Boundary of the assessment is reached when the final report is signed and the data is archived. Once the evaluation protocol concludes, the findings are used to inform the next round of resource allocation. This closure provides a clear break between the period of action and the period of review.
