Archived Information

Demonstrating Results, An Introduction to Government Performance and Results Act, Spring 1999

Glossary

Impact
The degree to which broad social objectives are achieved as a direct result of program expenditures. Example: percent of students from low-income families who graduate college and are employed in their field of study, compared to students from high-income families.

Input
The resources (human, financial, equipment, supplies and other) that the grantee uses to produce its outputs. Example: dollars expended.

Outcome
The degree to which the accomplishment of program goals can be attributed to program outputs. It is a consequence of what a program did, rather than what the program did directly. Example: number of students who receive support services in high school who enroll in college.

Output
The products, services and other direct results of the project or program activities. Example: students who complete the training.

Performance Indicator
A target level of performance expressed in measurable terms, against which actual achievement can be compared. Example: student retention rates will increase 1% annually for each of the next five years.

Performance Measure
A characteristic or metric that can be used to assess performance aspects of a program or project. Examples: dollars expended, students enrolled, grade point average, number of job offers received.

Program Goal
A broad aim that the program strives to achieve through the expenditure of its appropriated funds. Example: to increase the percentage of low-income students who enroll in and complete a college education.

Program Objective
A specific aim, the achievement of which contributes to the attainment of the program's goal. Example: to assure that low-income students are aware of financial aid programs for which they are eligible.

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