What are the differences between output and outcomes in IT project planning?

These are the first level of results associated with a project. This is the second level of results associated with a project and refers to the medium term consequences of the project. 

All project proposals should explain all the expected results that will be achieved by the project. Many proposal formats seek extensive information on results just to ensure that the set objectives are successfully achieved. However, some proposal formats request both outputs and outcomes separately.

Project results can be divided into three types:

– Outputs – Outcomes – Impact

Outputs are those results which are achieved immediately after implementing an activity. For example, if we are organizing a workshop on human rights, participants who attended it have now got a clear understanding on human rights issues. So, this is an output the project has achieved and it is achieved right after the conclusion of the workshop.

Outcomes can be considered as mid-term results. They are not seen immediately after the end of the project activity.

Outputs lead to outcomes

Output is the end product/service of the project

Outcome is the intended consequences of the project

outcomes

something that happens as a result of project

output

what ever the result  of the project 

Outputs

These are the first level of results associated with a project. Often confused with “activities”, outputs are the direct immediate term results associated with a project. In other words, they are usually what the project has achieved in the short term. An easy way to think about outputs is to quantify the project activities that have a direct link on the project goal. For example, project outputs in a HIV and AIDS project would be: the number of community awareness meetings that were done, the number of condom dispensers installed, number of HIV and AIDS infected persons referred for ARTs among others.

Outcome:

This is the second level of results associated with a project and refers to the medium term consequences of the project. Outcomes usually relate to the project goal or aim.  For example, in a safe water project, an outcome would be “the percentage of households that are using chlorinated drinking water”. Another outcome could be “the percentage of children suffering from diarrhea.” Nevertheless, an important point to note is that, outcomes should clearly link to project goals.

Outcomes are the changes that you are looking to achieve. Outputs are the services, products and activities that your organisation offers to its users.

Outputs are those results which are achived immediately after implementing an activity.

Outcomes: can be considered as mid-term result. they are not seen immediately after the end of the project activity but some tme when we see some change at the ground level becuase of the project activity then it can be termed as an outcome.

The schedule corresponds to the dates for carrying out the activities, identifying milestones and objectives of the project. This is the essential tool for planning.

Driving a project based on a chronological (phase) of the project stating

What needs to be done (Tasks)

By which this should be done (Resources)

How the results (deliverable) must be presented

How to validate (Milestones)

Outputs are deliverables or products created in your project. These products can be physical things such as buildings or software programs, or intangible things such as policies.  PRINCE2 projects produce outputs

By themselves, outputs do absolutely nothing. When that output is used it generates business changes which are outcomes. When we measure those business changes, these are benefits.  MSP and MoP deal with outcomes and benefits.

Outputs are those results which are achieved immediately after implementing an activity

Outcomes can be considered as mid-term results.

out put is nothing but an immediate result of an input given or we can say an immediate result of an action.whereas  the outcome can be the end result which can be known gradually. Also it will be either negative or positive  of the out put generated.