Introduction to Outcome Mapping. Outcome mapping. Outcome mapping is a project progress measurement system that was designed by the grant-making organisation International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
It differs from traditional metrics in that it does not focus on measuring deliverables and its effects on primary beneficiaries but on behavioural change exhibited by secondary beneficiaries. The outcome mapping process consist of a lengthy design phase followed by a cyclic record-keeping phase. Outcome mapping is intended primarily for charitable projects in developing countries funded by large donor organisations in developed countries.
ODI - Outcome Mapping. As development is essentially about people relating to each other and their environments, the focus of Outcome Mapping is on people.
The originality of the methodology is its shift away from assessing the development impact of a programme (defined as changes in state: for example, policy relevance, poverty alleviation, or reduced conflict) and toward changes in the behaviours, relationships, actions or activities of the people, groups and organisations with which a development programme works directly. This shift significantly alters the way a programme understands its goals and assesses its performance and results. IDRC - Outcome Mapping: International Development Research Centr.