The most common method was through subjective assessment by trained surveyors. After surveyors were given detailed training in what constitutes the quality standards for a shelter, they would be able to evaluate through visual inspection to what level a particular shelter had achieved. Criteria are based upon simple, measurable aspects of the standards that are aimed for by the strategic framework of the cluster – for example – head height, floor area, % of walls infilled, interior privacy spaces, etc. Surveyors can supply data in the form of (percentages of shelters satisfying all criteria in a particular area) or (quantitative numbers in a particular area satisfying all criteria). This data can be further mined for the specifics that can be fed back to the coordination effort.

The key (and Paul hit it on the head here) is you need to quantify quality. Find indicators of quality that can indeed be measured and set that as a criteria for evaluation.

Make any sense? Didn’t think so…