Sihttulemuse

Sihttulemuse is a hypothetical term used in project evaluation and impact assessment to denote the intended outcome or target result of an initiative, as defined by stakeholders before implementation. It provides a reference point for planning, monitoring, and evaluating success by distinguishing aims from actual results.

Etymology: The word combines Estonian roots siht meaning target and tulemus meaning result, reflecting its emphasis on planned outcomes.

Origins and usage: The term appears in speculative discussions within evaluation literature and in informal analytical writing. It is employed to discuss alignment between planning assumptions and observed changes, and to frame questions about attribution and scope of impact.

Concept and application: A sihttulemuse is not a guarantee of success but a clearly defined target that guides design and measurement. It may be expressed as a measurable change, such as a percentage increase in a metric within a set timeframe. Actual results are then compared to the sihttulemuse to assess effectiveness.

Examples: A health program may set a sihttulemuse of reducing readmissions by 10% in six months. An educational project might target a 15% rise in standardized test scores over a school year.

Limitations and reception: Critics note that focusing on preset sihttulemused can limit learning from unforeseen outcomes or contextual factors, while proponents view it as a useful tool for clarity, accountability, and communication.

See also: planned outcome, outcome mapping, logic model, performance target.