Outputs

From EvaluationWiki

Today we conventionally distinguish in a way that was not common even in the late 20th century, between outputs and outcomes. Roughly speaking, outputs are short-term outcomes, produced as a means to getting to the more important true outcomes. For example, a Red Cross training program in CPR will have as outputs the publication of pamphlets advertising the training programs and perhaps also pamphlets outlining the key steps in CPR, to be distributed at the training sessions. Neither is an outcome; both are outputs. The outcomes, at least the hoped-for outcomes, are reduced deaths, due to the administering of CPR by workmates or housemates who were trained by the Red Cross. Just as with outcomes, outputs are clearly different from process, the things that have to be done in order to get outputs or outcomes. See also impact.