Difference Between Appraisal, Assessment And Evaluation?

Hi all !!
I am pursuing my MBA-HR and am interested to do a project on PMS, i would look forward for some help from the professionals sitting out there and practicing the same.
Can you tell me what is the difference between appraisal, assessment and evaluation. How can you relate these terms when it comes to the measurement of performance of employees. Which term is more appropriate and why? Is there any specific definations for these terms in Performance Management System?
Looking forward for some quick professional tips.
Thanks & Regards
Nirata

Hi,
Let me take you to the definitions.
Appraisal: It’s a time bound exercise done by the companies to assess the performance and the potential of the employees towards achieving the self goal/targets as well the mission and vision of the company. It complements the employee it achieving their resp. targets.
Assessment: It follows the Appraisal. It’s more individualistic in nature. The KRAs of employees are compared against his actual performance. As it is only one employee, it’s individualistic.
Evaluation: This is the final exercise where the final result of an employee is measured against other belonging to the same position of the hierarchy. Yet in other sense it’s the process that preceeds the PA. Its determines the relative importance of a job in a organization.
HOPE IT HELPS. FOR BETTER DETAILS MAIL ME. [Login to view]
Regards,
Santosh Verma.
(9886609605)

Thanks Santosh !!
The information provided by you is of great help but can you tel me which one is most appropriate when it comes to PMS and why is it so.
regards
nirata

Evaluation: This is the final exercise where the final result of an employee is measured against other belonging to the same position of the hierarchy. Yet in other sense it’s the process that preceeds the PA. Its determines the relative importance of a job in a organization.
HOPE IT HELPS. FOR BETTER DETAILS MAIL ME. [Login to view]
Regards,
Santosh Verma.
(9886609605)[/QUOTE]
Santosh, evaluation in the sense you are using refers to "job evaluation". Job evaluation is independent of the employee holding the role.
You are evaluating the task and responsibilities of the job role not the performance of the incumbent in that role.
If one is speaking of "evaluation' of an employee's performance in a role, then appraisal and evaluation are virtually the same in meaning.
Regards,
Bruncha