An outcomes hierarchy shows all the outcomes (from short-term to longer-term) required to bring about the ultimate goal of an intervention.
Unlike results chains, it does not show the activities linked to these outcomes.
Examples
An outcomes hierarchy for 'an apple a day' program showing possible different causal paths
Advice for choosing this method
This method is particularly appropriate if the activities don't just occur at the beginning of the outcomes chain, but at different stages along it.
Advice for using this method
- An outcomes chain is best drawn up at the start of a programme, and concurrent to the design of the ‘logframe’ if one is being used. It will help you better understand the way your outcomes interact and the dependencies between them, as well as to set realistic timeframes to measure progress.
- The development of an outcomes chain also offers a good opportunity to engage your program’s stakeholders in a discussion about the program. Stakeholders might include program staff, clients/service recipients, partners, funders, board members, community representatives, and volunteers.
- Ensure that once the outcomes chain is written it doesn’t just ‘sit on a shelf’ but is frequently reviewed and referred to during project implementation, performance measurement and evaluation.
Resources
Sources
Funnell, S. and Rogers, P. (2011) Purposeful program Theory: Effective Use of Theories of Change and Logic Models San Francisco, CA: John Wiley & Sons.
Expand to view all resources related to 'Outcomes hierarchy'
Resource
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- Review of the use of ‘Theory of Change’ in international development
- The theory of change
- Understanding ‘Theory of Change’ in international development: A review of existing knowledge
- Using programme theory to evaluate complicated and complex aspects of interventions
'Outcomes hierarchy' is referenced in:
Approach
Blog
Framework/Guide
- Rainbow Framework :