In the Outcome Management framework, there is a clear distinction between the "service" provided, the "metric" used for measurement, and the "long-term change" desired.
To represent the "overall goal"—which in this case is the broad, systemic change of "reducing unemployment"—the consultant must use the Outcome object. An Outcome is the North Star of the Impact Strategy; it defines the qualitative "Future State" the organization is working toward.
Key Components of the Outcome Strategy:
Outcome (The Goal): "Reduced Unemployment" or "Economic Self-Sufficiency." This is a high-level record that acts as a container for all related measurements.
Indicator Definition (The Metric): To see if the Outcome is being met, you need a metric, such as the "Percentage of program graduates employed within 90 days."
Outcome Activity: This is the link that connects the high-level Outcome to the specific Program (Job Skills Training).
Indicator Result (The Data): This object (Option C) holds the actual numerical values (e.g., "85%") collected during a specific timeframe. It represents the proof of the goal's achievement, not the goal itself.
Benefit (Option B): This represents the specific service delivered (e.g., "Resume Workshop"). Delivering a benefit is an activity that contributes to an outcome, but it is not the outcome itself.
By defining the goal as an Outcome, the consultant allows the organization to aggregate data from multiple programs and timeframes to see the cumulative impact they are having on unemployment in their community.
