The Project Evaluation Tool aims to assist in assessing the ethicality of development projects based on the 7 values of worthwhile development (listed on the right) created by Jay Drydyk in the Routledge Handbook of Development Ethics.
The project will be evaluated through the lens of each individual value using a scale from 1-5 where:
1 = Inadequate
2 = Developing
3 = Adequate
4 = Exemplary
5 = Exceptional
Then, the overall score of the project will be found by taking the average of the 7 scores. This final score will indicate whether the project as a whole is considered Inadequate, Developing, Adequate, Exemplary, or Exceptional. Below is a representation of the scale:
1
Inadequate
2
Developing
3
Adequate
4
Exemplary
5
Exceptional
Inadequate
The project fails to address the well-being of affected communities or negatively impacts communities. Overall satisfaction of affected communities and stakeholders is low.
Developing
The impact on well-being is limited, with several shortcomings in addressing the relational aspects and satisfaction of participants.
Adequate
The project has a moderate impact on well-being, but there are areas where improvements could enhance the overall experience for participants.
Exemplary
The project significantly contributes to well-being, with notable positive effects on relationships and the quality of life for participants.
Exceptional
The project demonstrates a profound and measurable positive impact on the well-being of individuals or communities involved, fostering strong relationships and overall satisfaction.
Inadequate
The study neglects to foster equality within its implementation or worsens existing inequalities.
Developing
Limited focus on equality, with significant disparities or discriminatory practices that require attention.
Adequate
Moderate attention is given to equality, but there are noticeable gaps or instances of bias that need to be addressed.
Exemplary
Considerable efforts are made to promote equality, with some areas for refinement in addressing disparities.
Exceptional
The project demonstrates a strong commitment to equality, actively addressing and reducing disparities, and ensuring fair participation and access to benefits.
Inadequate
The study fails to promote the self-sufficiency and autonomy of affected communities. There is little to no sense of agency or self-determination among stakeholders.
Developing
Limited impact on empowerment, with insufficient support for participant agency and self-determination.
Adequate
Moderate empowerment is achieved, but additional measures are needed to further support participant agency.
Exemplary
Significant efforts are made to empower participants, with some areas for improvement to enhance overall agency.
Exceptional
The project effectively empowers individuals or communities, promoting self-sufficiency, autonomy, and significant personal and collective growth.
Inadequate
The project neglects or directly violates human rights principles throughout the project lifecycle. There are no protections in place to mitigate any potential risks to human rights.
Developing
Limited commitment to human rights, with substantial concerns and violations that require immediate correction.
Adequate
Moderate adherence to human rights, with noticeable gaps or oversights that need attention.
Exemplary
Significant attention is given to human rights, with minor areas for improvement in ensuring adherence to principles.
Exceptional
The project consistently upholds human rights, with robust safeguards and proactive measures to prevent infringements.
Inadequate
The project neglects or dismisses cultural freedom, with little regard for the preservation of cultural values.
Developing
Limited focus on cultural freedom, with potential disregard for cultural values and practices.
Adequate
Moderate attention is given to cultural freedom, but there are noticeable gaps or instances where cultural values are not fully considered.
Exemplary
Considerable efforts are made to respect and incorporate cultural freedom, with some areas for further enhancement.
Exceptional
The project actively promotes and respects cultural freedom, ensuring that cultural values are considered and preserved.
Inadequate
The project lacks any meaningful sustainability measures and may harm future prospects.
Developing
Limited consideration for sustainability, with potential negative long-term impacts that need attention.
Adequate
Moderate sustainability practices are in place, with room for improvement in certain aspects.
Exemplary
There is a strong emphasis on sustainability, with some areas for enhancement in addressing long-term impacts.
Exceptional
The project is highly sustainable, considering environmental, economic, and social aspects for long-term benefit.
Drydyk, Jay. 2018. Routledge Handbook of Development Ethics. Routledge.
Ingason H. & Jonasson H. 2018. Project ethics: The Critical Path to Project Success – applying an ethical risk assessment tool to a large infrastructure project. In: International Project Management Association, (ed.), International Project Management Association Research Conference 2017. Sydney: UTS ePRESS. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5130/pmrp.ipmarc2017.5639
Reijers, W., Wright, D., Brey, P. et al. Methods for Practising Ethics in Research and Innovation: A Literature Review, Critical Analysis and Recommendations. Sci Eng Ethics 24, 1437–1481 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-017-9961-8
Thomas, V. (2010). Evaluation Systems, Ethics, and Development Evaluation. American Journal of Evaluation, 31(4), 540-548. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214010373648