Eligibility comes before evaluation
Eligibility establishes who can be assessed. It may define the subject, geography, business category and measurement period. Meeting those conditions does not establish that a company has qualified for recognition.
The programme then needs evidence relevant to its assessment question. The submission form is a route for supplying information, not a selection decision. An application should not be described as a win before evaluation establishes the outcome.
Criteria need specific definitions
Terms such as innovation, impact and excellence need definitions within the method. For example, a programme assessing innovation should explain what evidence of implementation or results it considers. A description of an idea and evidence of its effect are different inputs.
Benchmarks give the assessment a reference point. They should identify the measure, comparison population and period. Without that context, a score or rank is difficult to interpret.
Weights and thresholds depend on the programme
Some frameworks use numerical scores and weighted dimensions. Others reach a qualification decision through defined evidence requirements. A single scoring formula should not be assumed across every recognition project.
Where weights or thresholds are used, the relevant edition should explain them. The method should also state how missing information and conflicting sources are treated. Neither a worked example nor a score from another study establishes qualification for the programme being considered.
Understand who makes the decision
A programme should identify the people or decision body responsible for its assessment and explain their role. Research collection, technical assessment and final approval may be different stages. A general advisory-board description does not by itself identify who evaluated a particular case.
Readers should also be able to understand relevant conflict safeguards. These need to be described accurately; the existence of a sponsor, event venue or public speaker is not evidence of independent judging.
WCRC's evaluation policy
WCRC's published recognition standards describe eligibility, evidence review, application of the edition's criteria and publication of the outcome. The applicable programme framework supplies the actual indicators, benchmarks and qualification rules.
Commercial participation does not determine the outcome. A company must qualify and be selected through evaluation. It can receive and retain recognition without purchasing a partnership, attending an event or buying media services.
Before submitting
Read the project name, category, edition and assessment period carefully. Provide specific achievements and sources relevant to that framework. If the criteria or decision responsibility are unclear, request the applicable information from WCRC before making assumptions about selection.
A submission is a request for consideration. Its receipt does not confirm qualification or selection.