What is outcome-based evaluation (OBE)?
Outcome-based evaluation, sometimes called outcomes measurement, is a systemic way to determine if a program has achieved its goals. The organized process of developing an outcome-based program and a logic model (an evaluation plan) helps institutions articulate and establish clear program benefits (outcomes), identify ways to measure those program benefits (indicators), clarify the specific individuals or groups for which the program’s benefits are intended (target audience), and design program services to reach that audience and achieve the desired results. What is an “outcome” and how do you evaluate (measure) them? An outcome is a benefit that occurs to participants of a program; when the benefits to many individuals are viewed together, they show the program’s impact. Typically, outcomes represent an achievement or a change in behavior, skills, knowledge, attitude, status or life condition of participants related to participation in a program. In OBE, an outcome always focuses on
