Outcome v output
Guide to developing the project business case, Better business cases: for better outcomes, published by HM Treasury in 2018, defines an outcome as: ‘…the consequences to society of a change in service or policy. For example, improved life expectancy of the population.’
It defines an output as: ‘…the change in the level or quality of a service delivered. For example, more cardiovascular operations carried out.’
Project Routemap, Setting up projects for success, Organisational Design & Development, UK Module, published by the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, defines outcomes as: ‘The result of change, normally affecting real-world behaviour or circumstances. Outcomes are desired when a change is conceived. Outcomes are achieved as a result of the activities undertaken to effect the change; they are the manifestation of part or all of the new state conceived in the target operating model.’
It defines outputs as: ‘A specialist product (the tangible or intangible artefact) that is produced, constructed or created as a result of a planned activity and handed over to users.’
See also: Output.
NB The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work published by the RIBA in 2023, states: ‘Outcomes are the results and impact of the inclusive design related considerations and/or changes, defined and agreed as part of the project brief. A good example of an inclusive design outcome is increased attendance and participation from minority groups or communities, reduction on safety incidents based on identity (protected characteristics), or an increased sense of belonging in user feedback.’
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