What does "impact evaluation" assess?

Impact evaluation is primarily focused on determining the long-term effects of a program on its intended outcomes. This type of evaluation seeks to assess not just what activities were carried out or how resources were used but rather if the program successfully achieved its ultimate goals. It investigates the changes that can be directly attributed to the program, identifying how it has influenced participants or communities over time.

By measuring outcomes, impact evaluation helps in understanding whether a program has made a significant difference in the lives of the people it was designed to serve, and establishes the causal relationships between the program activities and the outcomes achieved. This is crucial for stakeholders seeking to determine the effectiveness of a program, make decisions for future funding, or guide revisions to enhance performance.

The other options do not align with the objective of impact evaluation. For example, assessing short-term program activities or outputs pertains more to process evaluation, while examining administrative efficiency does not address the program's tangible impacts.