Forget What You Were Told- Here's How To Write An Outcome Statement

Whether you're designing a new project, revamping an existing one, or simply trying to get a better handle on your monitoring and evaluation efforts, crafting clear and measurable outcome statements is a crucial step. But let's be honest, it's not always easy to nail down those elusive outcomes, especially when you're dealing with complex development initiatives.

As a monitoring and evaluation specialist, I've seen my fair share of convoluted, jargon-filled outcome statements that leave you scratching your head. But fear not, my friends! Today, we're going to demystify the process and break it down into bite-sized chunks.

Before we dive in, let's quickly define our terms:

Outputs - These are the tangible products or services that your project delivers. Think training workshops, constructed infrastructure, or policy documents.

Outcomes - These are the changes that occur as a result of your outputs. They represent the real impact you're trying to achieve, such as improved skills, changed behaviors, or better access to services.

Unlike outputs, which are under our direct control as project managers, outcomes are influenced by a myriad of factors beyond our immediate sphere of influence. They require the collective efforts of various stakeholders and cannot typically be achieved by a single agency alone.

This is precisely what makes crafting compelling outcome statements both challenging and vital.

A well-articulated outcome statement serves as a clear vision of the desired change we wish to see in a particular region, country, or community within a specific timeframe.

So, how do we go about writing these powerful outcome statements? Let's break it down.

1. Choose the Right Verb. An outcome statement should ideally use a verb expressed in the past tense, such as 'improved,' 'strengthened,' or 'increased.' This verb should encapsulate the desired change in institutional or individual behavior or quality of life – however modest that change may be.
2. Specify the Target. Be clear about who or what will experience the change. Will it be a specific community, a group of individuals, or perhaps an institution or sector? The more specific you can be, the better.
3. Quantify the Change. Outcomes should be measurable, so consider quantifying the desired change wherever possible. This could be a percentage increase, a numerical reduction, or a specific target to be achieved.
4. Set a Timeframe. Change doesn't happen overnight, so it's essential to specify a realistic timeframe for achieving your outcome. Will it be short-term, medium-term, or long-term? Be ambitious yet pragmatic.
5. Keep it SMART. Ultimately, your outcome statement should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This will ensure that it's clear, actionable, and aligned with your project's goals. An outcome should not be stated as “the organisation's support provided to Y” or “technical advice provided in support of Z,” but should specify the result of the organisation's efforts and that of other stakeholders for a community

Here are a few examples of well-crafted outcome statements:

• "Policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks reformed to substantially expand connectivity to information and communication technologies in [target region/country] by 2025 (medium-term)."
• "Increased access of the poor to financial products and services in rural communities across [target region/country], with a 30% uptake by 2028 (long-term)."
• "Reduction in the level of domestic violence against women in five provinces of [target country] by 25% by 2024 (medium-term)."

Notice how these statements clearly articulate the desired change, specify the target group or institution, quantify the expected result, and set a realistic timeframe.

It's also worth noting that some frameworks may refer to immediate, intermediate, and longer-term outcomes, or short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes. This allows for a more nuanced approach, recognizing that meaningful change often occurs in incremental steps.

Crafting compelling outcome statements is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of your project's goals, a keen eye for measurable changes, and the ability to paint a vivid picture of the desired future state.

References

UNDP (2009). Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results

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