Developing an outcomes framework is a structured process used to plan, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives, projects, programs, or policies by focusing on the actual changes or results they aim to achieve. It helps clarify what success looks like and how to measure progress towards it. Based on standard practices, developing such a framework typically follows a systematic, multi-stage approach.
Here are the key steps involved in developing an outcomes framework:
Stages of Developing an Outcomes Framework
The process is generally iterative and requires collaboration among stakeholders. A common approach involves the following stages:
- Stage one: decide your overall approach.
- Stage two: create an outcomes triangle and logic model.
- Stage three: review the evidence.
- Stage four: select your performance indicators.
- Stage five: finalise and use your framework, and review annually.
Let's explore each stage in more detail.
Stage One: Decide Your Overall Approach
This foundational stage involves defining the purpose and scope of the framework.
- Identify the Goal: What specific initiative or policy is the framework for? What is the overarching aim or vision?
- Determine the Scope: What aspects will the framework cover? What is the timeline for achieving outcomes?
- Identify Stakeholders: Who needs to be involved? (e.g., beneficiaries, staff, partners, funders, policymakers). Engaging stakeholders early ensures buy-in and relevance.
- Define Key Terms: Agree on the definitions of outcomes, outputs, activities, and other relevant terms within the specific context.
Practical Tip: Host initial workshops with key stakeholders to build shared understanding and ownership from the start.
Stage Two: Create an Outcomes Triangle and Logic Model
This stage translates the initiative's activities into anticipated outcomes.
- Develop an Outcomes Triangle: This is a simple tool often used to visualise the hierarchy of outcomes, from short-term (immediate changes) to medium-term (changes in behaviour or circumstances) and long-term (ultimate impact or contribution to broader goals).
- Build a Logic Model: A logic model is a graphical representation that shows the relationship between the resources, activities, outputs, outcomes, and ultimately the impact of a program or policy.
- Inputs: Resources invested (e.g., staff time, funding, materials).
- Activities: Actions taken (e.g., workshops, service delivery, research).
- Outputs: Direct products of activities (e.g., number of people trained, reports published, services delivered).
- Outcomes: Changes resulting from outputs (e.g., increased knowledge, improved skills, changed behaviour, improved health status). These are the core focus of the framework.
- Impact: Long-term, broader societal changes the initiative contributes to.
Example: For a training program:
Input (Funding, Trainers) -> Activity (Conduct Workshops) -> Output (50 people trained) -> Outcome (Participants demonstrate improved skills, Participants gain employment) -> Impact (Reduced unemployment in the community).
Stage Three: Review the Evidence
Before finalising the outcomes and their relationships in the logic model, it's crucial to grounding them in evidence.
- Consult Research: What does existing research or data suggest about the effectiveness of similar interventions? Does it support the planned pathway from activities to outcomes?
- Gather Data: Review existing program data, surveys, or qualitative feedback.
- Assess Assumptions: Identify and test the underlying assumptions in your logic model. Is it reasonable to expect the planned outcomes will result from the activities?
Insight: Evidence helps strengthen the logic model, ensuring it is based on realistic expectations and proven pathways to change, not just hopeful assumptions.
Stage Four: Select Your Performance Indicators
Performance indicators are specific, measurable markers used to track progress towards achieving the defined outcomes.
- Identify Potential Indicators: For each outcome, brainstorm potential ways to measure whether it is being achieved.
- Select SMART(er) Indicators: Choose indicators that are:
- Specific: Clear and focused.
- Measurable: Quantifiable or clearly defined.
- Achievable: Possible to collect the data.
- Relevant: Directly linked to the outcome.
- Time-bound: Can be measured within a specific timeframe.
- Evaluated: Can be assessed for performance.
- Reviewed: Regularly checked for suitability.
- Define Baselines and Targets: Where possible, establish a starting point (baseline) and set specific targets for improvement or achievement within a given period.
- Plan Data Collection: Determine how and when data for each indicator will be collected.
Table: Example Outcome & Indicator
| Outcome | Performance Indicator |
|---|---|
| Participants demonstrate improved skills | % of participants achieving a specific score on a post-training assessment |
| Participants gain employment | % of participants employed within 6 months of completing the program |
Stage Five: Finalise and Use Your Framework, and Review Annually
This is where the framework becomes an active tool for management and learning.
- Document the Framework: Compile the outcomes triangle, logic model, indicators, baselines, targets, and data collection plan into a comprehensive document.
- Communicate and Train: Share the framework with all relevant stakeholders and provide training on how to use it for planning, monitoring, and reporting.
- Implement Data Collection: Begin collecting data for the selected indicators according to the plan.
- Use for Decision-Making: Regularly review the data to assess progress, identify challenges, and make informed decisions about program adjustments.
- Review and Adapt Annually: An outcomes framework is not static. Outcomes, activities, and indicators may need to be adjusted based on learning, changing context, or evolving goals. Schedule regular reviews (at least annually) to ensure the framework remains relevant and useful.
Key Action: Integrate the framework into existing planning, reporting, and evaluation processes.
Following these stages helps ensure that an outcomes framework is robust, relevant, and effectively guides efforts towards achieving meaningful results.
