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these two words are repeatedly used in project management, Can they be used interchangeably or is there any significant difference in these two words?
What’s the difference between outputs and outcomes? Some think the question is merely semantic, or that the difference is simple: outputs are extrinsic and outcomes intrinsic. I think otherwise; the difference between outputs and outcomes is more fundamental and profound.
In the non-profit world, outputs are programs, training, and workshops; outcomes are knowledge transferred and behaviors changed. In the for-profit world, the distinctions are not always so clear. Let’s define outputs as the stuff we produce, be it physical or virtual, for a specific type of customer—say, car seats for babies. And let’s define outcomes as the difference our stuff makes—keeping your child safe in the car. Borrowing an example from the Innovation Network, a highway construction company’s outputs are project design and the number of highway miles built and repaired. Outcomes are the difference made by the outputs: better traffic flow, shorter travel times, and fewer accidents.
An output involves a process as in production. It could be in the form of a good or service. On the other hand, an outcome is the result or payoff from the the course of action taken by an individual or player based on his decisions.Output (one word) is the quantity of stuff that is produced. The outcome is the result of an action. So, the output of the factory is20 cars an hour, but the outcome of replacing the manager is that the output rises to25 per hour.
project outs are the products or services offered by the organization while outcomes are strategies that are likely to change the organization
Outcomes are the changes that you are looking to achieve. Outputs are the services, products and activities that your organisation offers to its users.
Out put is what is worked and Outcome is what is finished
>>>>>>>>>> I do agree with MR Vinod Jetley answer ......... thanks
Understanding the difference between outputs and outcomes is important.Outputs relate to "what we do." Outcomes refer to "what difference is there."
In the past, we've tended to focus on what is included in the outputs column - the "what we do and who we reach." We are anxious to tell our clients, funders and community partners what it is that we do, the services we provide, how we are unique, who we serve... We've done a good job of describing and counting our activities and the number of people who come. Now, however, we are being asked: "What difference does it make?" This is a question about OUTCOMES.
In some logic models you will see activities separated from outputs; activities may be displayed before outputs. In those models, outputs are typically designated as theaccomplishment or product of the activity... for example, number of workshops actually delivered, number of individuals who heard the media message. The assumption is that the activity needs to be delivered as intended before the expected outcomes can occur. We see this as part of measurement (quantity and quality of implementation)
Outcomes and Output both are result produced by project.
Output are results which achieved immediately after implementing an activity or completion of workpackage while Outcomes are consider mid term results which cannot be seen after completing the project.
Taking a PM training and gaining a knowledge is output of PM training and implementing that knowledge later in project outcomes of that training
In Project Management, what is the difference between "Output" & "Outcome and benefit
Outputs highlights what is done to achieve the result or goal or aim which is the Outcomes
