Guide questions on goal clarification

In the discussion about goals, first concentrate on what the effect of the program or project should be. The following guide questions can be useful for the process of clarifying goals:

• Who is (are) the target group(s) of the project or program?
• What do you want to achieve for the target group(s)?
• How will the target group have changed if the project or program is successful?

Even in an early stage of the project or program, it is helpful to think about which indicators can be identified for goal achievement:

• How can one recognise whether the desired changes have taken place?

An agreement on criteria should also be reached at an early stage:

• When should a goal be considered as achieved?

Who is involved in the goal clarification process?
It is not the evaluator who is responsible for setting goals, but the person responsible for the project or program. However, the evaluator can support the goal clarification, and, if necessary, representatives of the target group (e.g. students) or other stakeholders can be included into the goal clarification process.