From an evaluation (policy) design perspective, the OECD defines output as “The products, capital goods and services which result from a development intervention; may also include changes resulting from the intervention which are relevant to the achievement of outcomes” (OECD 2010, p.28). In other words, “Outputs are the specific activities that directly result from inputs, such as the implementation of a plan or direct activities” (Reese and Fasenfest 2003, p. 267).

While output oriented evaluation techniques are based on actual data gathered about a policy at a post-implementation stage, Output Assessment Tools (OATs) at the formulation stage are more speculative and prospective as they provide a way to quantify or measure the impact of the public policy attribute previously identified. Likewise Attribute Ranking Tools, OATs also facilitate policy choices and structure decision-making at the formulation stage.

 

OECD (2010) Glossary of Key Terms in Evaluation and Results Based Management. http://www.oecd.org/development/peer-reviews/2754804.pdf

Laura A. Reese and David Fasenfest. (2003). Planning for Development: An Assessment of the Economic Development District Planning Process. Economic Development 17: 264-279 pp.