An outcome is the result achieved when an activity is performed successfully and produces its intended outputs.
According to the provided reference, Outcomes are the results of well executed activities and the outputs of those activities. This means that simply performing an activity isn't enough to guarantee an outcome. The activity must be done effectively ("well executed"), and it must produce specific, tangible or intangible products or results known as "outputs."
Understanding Outcomes, Activities, and Outputs
It's helpful to distinguish between these related terms:
- Activity: This is the work being done, the process, or the actions taken.
- Output: These are the direct products or results of an activity. They are what is produced by the activity itself.
- Outcome: This is the ultimate impact or effect that occurs as a consequence of the activity and its outputs, particularly when the activity is performed well.
Think of it like this:
| Concept | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Activity | The action taken or work performed | Attending a training course |
| Output | The direct product of the activity | Certificate of completion, notes taken, skills learned |
| Outcome | The result or impact of the activity & output | Improved job performance, successful project delivery |
The Nuance: Activities Don't Always Produce Outcomes
The reference highlights a crucial point: activities don't necessarily produce outcomes. You can go through all the steps defined by an activity, but if it's not done effectively or if external factors intervene, you might not achieve the desired outputs or the ultimate outcome.
For example:
- Activity: Preparing and delivering a sales presentation.
- Outputs: The presentation slides, the delivered speech, answered questions.
- Desired Outcome: Securing a sale.
You can deliver the presentation (activity), produce the slides (output), but if the presentation isn't well-executed (e.g., unclear, irrelevant, poorly delivered) or the prospect isn't ready to buy (external factor), the desired outcome (a sale) might not be achieved.
Therefore, an outcome is not just any result of an activity, but specifically the result of a well-executed activity and its subsequent outputs.
