Outputs vs. Outcomes

 In terms of specific project management concepts, the term “Output” refers specifically to any particular services, results, and or products that are generated as a result of a particular project related process. The outputs are all the tangible results, milestones, and specific steps that were achieved, in order to complete the project. An output is the direct product of any activity delivered e.g. number of classes taught and is the benefit or change for participants after the activity e.g. new knowledge, increased skills. One interesting component of the conceptual idea of output also is that it may come from the result of input to a successor process. Output can come in a multitude of formats from written long form reports, written short form reports, other verbal means of output. Output may also be a formalized type of material or it can be inform and in some cases discretionary and or informational only. 

A deliverable is an input/output term that refers specifically to the unique and individual products, elements, results, or items that are produced for delivery at the conclusion of a specific project component, or at the conclusion of the project as a whole. Deliverables can come in a number of different variations. Deliverables can be in the form of a written report, which can be extremely lengthy and can encompass extensive amounts of information and data. Deliverables can also be much shorter. In some cases, the end deliverable may be a short report, a slide presentation, a poster, a short blurb, or even a slogan. In these cases, the deliverable may actually be very short, and rather than containing all information gathered over the course of a project, may contain a succinct message that is meant to represent the sum total of the information without actually presenting it directly. Deliverables towards the end of a project life are typically referred to as external deliverables, and these typically require the review and/or approval of the customer or financially responsible party. 

In terms of tangible measurable from the project management team and or the project management team leader, results are what matters, and what need to happen for the project to work. Results basically refer to any particular output or end point that comes as a result of the completion of the activities and or processes that have been performed as part of the project or as part of a particular project component. These results can include specific outcomes (such as revised processes, restructured organizations, and or trained personnel), and or actual deliverables such as documents. Types of documents that can actually represent results include policies, plans, procedures, reports, specifications, etc. The term results can and should be contrasted with products and or services. 

The outcome is the final situation, once the project is complete. Often an outcome is successful completion of one necessary project, with the quick realization that another project is needed to further optimize those results, in order to achieve an end goal. An outcome must be SMART:

–        Specific - who or what will change, how much change or benefit is expected, when will change occur

–        Measurable - can you measure the outcome

–        Achievable - create a baseline to see where you are starting from, don’t over-estimate the probable outcome

–        Realistic - be realistic in the potential achievement

–        Time Bound - identify timescales for achieving your outcome - milestones should be identified

For example, a project related to installation of new manufacturing equipment. The outputs can be the successful demolition, removal of old equipment, construction, installation of new equipment, and start-up for production. The outcome can be that a department had been improved.