Assessments are a systematic and objective process based on evaluating the results of a project, programme, sector or policy still in progress or already finished in order to indicate its efficiency and effectiveness, along with the factors that have led to these results.
Evaluations are a tool for checking the accountability/reporting of policies, programmes, projects and activities being implemented. Feedback provided by such ratings is used to improve the quality of their formulation and implementation.
Evaluations have two goals - accountability and understanding. In this sense, assessments contribute to the quality and impact of Portuguese co-operative activities in the development of partner countries.