Answering the “SO WHAT” question: How to craft an outcome statement.
An outcome is the second level of results associated with the project. It’s often the result or change we expect to see from n output and refers to the project's medium-term consequence or investment. An outcome (primary or intermediate) describes the direction and type of change among a specific group of people or system at its most basic level. The following rubric can be useful when crafting or reviewing outcomes.
From the rubric, the components of the outcomes above produce sample project outcomes:
- Increased use of M&E tools among 10 community-based organizations in Uganda
- Adoption of national economic recovery policies and strategies in four counties classified as fragile
- Established basic infrastructure in rural Africa
While we strive to include additional specificity in our outcomes during the planning stage, it is not always possible until after the project has begun. This is particularly true for targets. It is necessary to have a baseline or other data available before the project to determine “how much change” you would reasonably expect to see over the course of the project.
About the Author
Rohin Onyango is a Kenyan citizen, Research Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist. He holds a Master’s in Development Studies (MDS) from St. Paul’s University (SPU), Limuru-Nairobi, and a Bachelor’s in Economics and Statistics from the University of Nairobi (UON) in Kenya. His work focuses on the creation and utility of M&E products and systems, results-based management, and how evidence can be integrated into organizational learning and decision-making.
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8 年By understanding results as measurable change derived from a cause and effect relationship, Outcomes can be also be defined as medium-term results that are measured on the intervention beneficiaries.
Executive Director at Ian C Davies Conseil Inc
8 年The results or changes that are expected from outputs are "intended outcomes". The "consequences" of "outputs" as well as everything else the project or programme influences are effects. Effects are infinite over space and time, largely unknowable given our rudimentary evaluation understanding, so those we choose are for political reasons, i.e. what power considers valuable, and/or for reasons of convenience, i.e. that allow for using existing measurement tools (and getting paid for it). The so what question is: "what is of value to who under what circumstances and so what are we going to do about it". For example the donor funded efforts to implement more "efficient" one-stop border posts between countries in East Africa is valuable to some, e.g. large transport firms, and not to others, e.g. small traders - significantly women - at border crossings (and their families and communities). What is considered "good" by funders and recipients ( to "lift the voiceless and disenfranchised out of poverty") is considered "bad" by those who are supposed to be the very "beneficiaries" of the project. So what do we do about it Rohin? Ian C Davies, CE
Technical Advisor/Consultant (Associate) at Kixiquila Research and Consultancy Services
8 年Great, brother Rohin! With simplicity and uniqueness as your defining characteristics we can but look forward to more insightful pieces from you. I am humbled!