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Key
Terms and Definitions
A number of
commonly used terms appear throughout the Self-Assessment Tool. Some of them
are defined below. For a better understanding of other terms, consult the
Treasury Board's lexicon: http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/eval/pubs/RMAF-CGRR/rmafcgrr05_e.asp
Activity: An operation or work process
internal to an organization, intended to produce specific outputs (e.g.
products or services). Activities are the primary link in the chain through
which outcomes are achieved.
Input: Resources (human, material,
financial, etc.) used to carry out activities, produce outputs and/or
accomplish results.
Logic model: An illustration of the
results chain or how the activities of a policy, program or initiative are
expected to lead to the achievement of the final outcomes. Usually displayed as
a flow chart.
Outcome: An external consequence
attributed to an organization, policy, program or initiative that is considered
significant in relation to its commitments. Outcomes may be described as
immediate, intermediate or final, direct or indirect, intended or unintended.
Output: Direct products or services
stemming from the activities of a policy, program or initiative, and delivered
to a target group or population.
Performance measure: An
indicator that provides information (either qualitative or quantitative) on the
extent to which a policy, program or initiative is achieving its outcomes.
Planned results (targets): Clear and
concrete statement of results (including outputs and outcomes) to be achieved
within the time frame of parliamentary and departmental planning and reporting
(1-3 years), against which actual results can be compared.
Results chain: The causal or logical
relationship linking activities and outputs with the outcomes of a given
policy, program or initiative that they are intended to produce. Usually
displayed as a flow chart.
The diagram on the next page presents a logic model or results
chain illustratinghow these terms interrelate.
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