Intended vs. Actual Outcomes_Download Template.xlsx

	A	B	C
1	Intended vs. Actual Outcomes
2	This results-oriented reflection promotes accountability, supports continuous improvement, and ensures that projects deliver meaningful results. It helps assess the effectiveness of an initiative, identify gaps, and inform future planning. By understanding where expectations aligned or diverged from reality, institutions can make more informed decisions, improve strategies, and better demonstrate the value of their initiatives to stakeholders.
3
4	Guiding Questions
5	1	If there is a difference in intended vs. actual outcomes, describe what you think happened. For each Intended outcome, consider the following factors that might have impacted the change in outcome:
6		- Project scope - Project approach - Timeline - Budget	- Milestones - Key Stakeholders - Sustainability Plan - Resources
7	Tip	Projects are dynamic and often evolve throughout their lifespan. By reflecting on the differences between intended and actual outcomes, including both successes and challenges, you can gain valuable insights for future planning. This reflection helps refine future initiatives regarding anticipated changes like budgeting and timing, feedback loops, stakeholder involvement, and communication needs.
8
9	Template Legend/Guide - Stakeholder Assessment
10	Customize the table in the next tab according to the outcomes you've determined for the project. Refer to this guide section whenever necessary.
11	Guiding Information
12	Column B (Intended Outcome)	List the intended outcomes of your project. Be as specific as necessary for the purpose of this after action review element.
13	Column C (Actual Outcome)	List the actual outcome for each deliverable, including those where you under- and over-delivered.
14	Column D (What factor(s) impacted the change in outcome?)	Choose one or more factors that impacted each outcome. Keep in mind that factors often impact each other and consider which were the most impactful for this change. E.g., Your project delivered the progress report ahead of schedule by working with your IR person to get the required data quickly and in the right format. The key factor was the involvement of a key stakeholder, which also impacted the timeline and milestones.
15	Column E	Explain in detail what change or how the change impacted the outcome. Consider what others can learn from this change.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100