Key Terms and Definitions for Outcomes-based Measurement and Evaluation

Inputs: The financial and non-financial resources used by programs

Activities: The actual work or tasks that are being done within the program

Outputs: The things that are produced as a result of those activities or tasks

Outcomes: The changes or benefits that resulted from the program. Outcomes are divided into “immediate”, “intermediate” and “ultimate” outcomes.

• Immediate Outcome: New knowledge, increased skills, changed attitudes or changed motivation.
• Intermediate Outcome: Modified behavior or practice, such as making decisions based on new knowledge.
• Ultimate Outcome: A lasting or long-term change in the state or condition.

Indicator: Specific item of information that tracks progress against outcomes. It describes observable or measureable changes that represent achievement of an outcome

Measure: Statistic or calculation related to an indicator. Measures are quantifiable, and can be tracked over time.

You can see real-life CALP examples of each of these in the Understanding the Logic Model lesson.