What should be done first when evaluating a project’s outcome?

Defining the project’s objectives and goals is the essential first step in evaluating a project’s outcome because it establishes a clear framework for what the project is intended to achieve. Without this foundational understanding, any subsequent evaluation efforts may lack direction and relevance. Objectives and goals provide measurable benchmarks against which the outcomes can be assessed. They ensure all stakeholders share a common understanding of what success looks like, enabling meaningful comparisons to be made later.

Once the objectives are clearly defined, it allows for effective comparison with outcomes, gathering stakeholder feedback, and analyzing financial results, as each of these evaluations can then be measured against the initial goals. This structure ultimately leads to a more systematic and insightful assessment of how well the project performed and areas for potential improvement.