The foundation of any effective institutional evaluation lies in a clear understanding of the organization’s vision, mission, goals, and objectives (VMGOs).  Every aspect of the institution’s operations should demonstrably contribute to the achievement of its VMGOs.  Therefore, a well-defined vision and mission are essential to guide strategic decision-making and resource allocation.  Ultimately, an institution’s success is measured by its progress towards its stated goals, not by comparison to external benchmarks.