Outcome Evaluation - Definition, Importance, Process & Example
What is Outcome Evaluation?
Outcome evaluation is the assessment done to measure the final results of a program. Outcome evaluation is the evaluation done by companies for calculation of the impact of the outcome or end result of an activity done in producing change. Outcome evaluation mostly focuses on inputs from the participants and how the activity affected them or brought any change in them. It is concerned with what kind of difference the activity made for them.
Importance of Outcome Evaluation
Outcome evaluation also helps us to know how well the objectives of a program were met. The analysis of this sort can be useful for corporates with both a flat and tall structure. The evaluation is effective is depicting in which direction can the program further go based on the outcome or results of the current program. Outcome evaluation is also an indicator of how good or bad was the idea of implementing the program in the first place.
The other type of evaluation is process evaluation.
Advantages of Outcome Evaluation
1. Outcome evaluation helps us understand the impact of the program and how essential the prospect of program replication is.
2. The true costs of the program and results evidently influence the course of future actions.
3. The cost of doing business found as a result of this evaluation helps to understand the present status and future environment of the business and its operations.
4. Outcome evaluation tells us how ready the business is for implementation of new structures and patterns in the functioning.
5. Helps develop an amply sustainable sales value proposition.
6. Aids is determination of customer’s business outcomes.
7. It also proceeds into identification of various opportunity costs for the business.
8. Helps to understand the evaluation of the desired attributes of the offerings according to the market segments. By interviewing existing customers we get to know outcome evaluation validates new and desired business outcomes.
Difference Between Outcome Evaluation & Process Evaluation
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Outcome Evaluation |
Process evaluation |
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This refers to the evaluation of the result or outcome of a program implemented to producing change. |
This refers to the evaluation of the process or course of the program while its being conducted for producing a change. |
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It helps the stakeholders to see how the program achieved its required outcome or not. |
It helps the stakeholders to see how the program was achieved. |
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It only focuses on outcomes and how the program impacted the participants. |
It helps to figure out how the structure and supporting programs develop with time. |
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The focus is mostly the outcome and not the implementation of the program. |
The focus of process evaluation is the services and resources of the program. |
Example of Outcome Evaluation
Let’s say for example, the outcome evaluation of a smoking cessation program. The participants of this program may be asked whether the program indeed helped them or not to quit smoking. They may also be asked id different groups for their responses. They may be asked for what benefits did the program entail for them as an open ended question. The survey may result in the understanding that smokers found very less impact out of the program and that the program was highly ineffective. They may also find out that stress induced smoking is a developed habit rather than an addiction.
Hence, this concludes the definition of Outcome Evaluation along with its overview.
This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team. It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.
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