In one of our discussions yesterday in our group, I told them that the government projects are basically target-oriented and instead, they should also be impact-oriented, or a combination of both approaches, with clear targets that contribute to overall impact and long-term sustainability. I am now writing down my thoughts on the subject.
Target-Oriented Approach
Target-oriented programmes focus on achieving specific goals or targets. These goals are often quantitative, such as increasing the number of people who receive a particular service or reducing the number of people who suffer from a particular health condition. The success of a target-oriented programme is often measured by whether or not these goals are achieved.
One advantage of target-oriented programmes is that they are often easier to plan and implement. The goals are clear, and the steps needed to achieve them can be identified and tracked. This makes it easier to evaluate the success of the programme and make adjustments as needed.
However, target-oriented programmes can also have drawbacks. Focusing too much on achieving specific targets can lead to a narrow focus that ignores other important factors. For example, a programme that aims to reduce the number of people who suffer from a particular health condition may neglect other factors that contribute to overall health, such as nutrition or access to clean water.
Impact-Oriented Approach
Impact-oriented programmes, on the other hand, focus on achieving broader outcomes or impacts. These outcomes may be more qualitative in nature, such as improving overall well-being or reducing inequality. The success of an impact-oriented programme is measured by whether or not it achieves these broader outcomes.
One advantage of impact-oriented programmes is that they can be more holistic in their approach. By focusing on broader outcomes, they can take into account a wider range of factors that contribute to success. This can lead to more sustainable and long-lasting change.
However, impact-oriented programmes can also be more difficult to plan and implement. Because the outcomes are broader and more qualitative, it can be harder to identify the specific steps needed to achieve them. This can make it harder to evaluate the success of the programme and make adjustments as needed.
The Key Differences
So, what are the key differences between these two approaches? Here are some factors to consider:
- Focus: Target-oriented programs focus on achieving specific goals, while impact-oriented programmes focus on creating broader changes in society.
- Timeframe: Target-oriented programmes have a specific timeframe within which they aim to achieve their goals, while impact-oriented programmes may have a longer timeframe as they aim to create sustainable changes.
- Methodology: Target-oriented programmes often use quantitative data to measure progress towards targets, while impact-oriented programmes may use qualitative data and participatory approaches to understand the underlying causes of social problems.
- Stakeholder engagement: Target-oriented programs may have a narrower focus on specific stakeholders, while impact-oriented programmes may engage a broader range of stakeholders to create sustainable changes.
- Resource allocation: Target-oriented programmes may require more resources in the short term to achieve their goals, while impact-oriented programmes may require more resources in the long term to create sustainable changes.
Which One Should You Choose?
There are no universally valid patterns or standards that are applicable to all projects. General principles have to be adapted to each individual project. The answer depends on your context, your objectives, and your preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to programme design and implementation. You may need to combine elements of both types of programmes to achieve your goals.
For example, you may set some targets to guide your project activities but also monitor the impacts of your project on the beneficiaries and the environment. Or you may focus on creating impact but also use targets to communicate your achievements to your stakeholders.
Measuring the impact of a project
Measuring the impact of a project involves assessing its outcomes and effects to determine its success and value. The specific approach may vary depending on the nature of the project and its goals. The desired outcomes and objectives of the project should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goals).
Key performance indicators (KPIs) should align with the project objectives and provide quantitative or qualitative data that can be tracked over time. For example, if your project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a relevant KPI could be the percentage reduction in emissions achieved.
Before implementing your project, establish a baseline measurement to understand the starting point or the current state. This baseline will serve as a reference for evaluating the impact of your project. During project assessment, you measure the indicators again and compares the values to the baseline data. The difference between the two measurements indicates the impact of the project.
Consistent collection of data monitoring is needed. The data collected should be accurate, reliable, and covers the intended aspects of impact. This data can come from various sources, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or existing records. Ensure that the data collected is accurate, reliable, and covers the intended aspects of impact.
Once you have collected sufficient data, analyze it to assess the impact of your project. Consider both quantitative data (numbers, statistics) and qualitative data (narratives, feedback) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact.
While evaluating impact, it’s important to consider indirect effects and unintended consequences that may have resulted from your project. Sometimes, projects can have unforeseen positive or negative effects on stakeholders or the environment.
Use the findings from your impact assessment to learn and improve future projects. Identify areas where the project fell short or exceeded expectations and use those insights to refine your approach in subsequent initiatives.
Ultimately, the choice between target-oriented and impact-oriented programs depends on the specific context, goals, and resources available. In many cases, a combination of both approaches can be beneficial, with clear targets that contribute to overall impact and long-term sustainability.
Indrajit Roy Choudhury 
One of the perennial dilemmas; like return or safety in case of investing.
Measurement of outcome is a key requirement. Unfortunately many things cannot be measured. There is no simple “overall health” measure that tells you if the Covid vaccine impacted you in any other way negatively.
The dilemma of return or safety in investing is truly perennial. Investments in so-called safest USD investments like the US T-Bills proved fatal for the Silicon Valley Bank.
You’re right that the measurement of outcome is a key requirement. In the case of Covid vaccine, the world was under a severe pandemic and time was running out, therefore the health authorities resorted to emergency means. Sufficient reliable quantitative and qualitative data was not collected and analyzed. Vaccine impacts were not properly studied and evaluated. We are now getting various reports raising questions about the efficacy and impact of the Covid vaccines.
The most important thing, in this case of Covid vaccines, is that the vaccine gave us confidence that we could overcome the virus. It did have some positive impacts on the people and societies: partly due to the vaccine and largely due to the confidence, the pandemic threat is over. 😉
Nice, detailed post, Indrajit. Social Impact Assessments are commonly conducted for various types of projects, including infrastructure development, mining operations, urban planning, policy changes, and large-scale industrial activities. Government departments or agencies responsible for environmental assessment, urban planning, social welfare, and development often play a crucial role in conducting SIAs.
Thanks, Nilanjana. Yes, many NGOs and CBOs are also undertaking SIA for developmental projects.
Thanks, Nilanjana.
Being target oriented helps being focused as you well stated above, but why can impact not be part of target oriented project. Because it’s subjective what you want for your target.
Targets provide a clear direction and can help guide decision-making and resource allocation. But the project remains fixated to the target or numbers. Such an approach normally ignores the impacts of the programmes. Impact-oriented approach needs consistent monitoring and for that it needs collection of accurate, timely, and reliable data and feedback. An impact-oriented approach focuses on the broader, long-term outcomes or impacts that one seeks to achieve. It takes into account the overall effect or change desired, rather than just achieving specific targets. Target-oriented approach needs less resources, time, and cost than impact-oriented approach. Achievement is shown faster. However, some development projects are being commissioned nowadays, where social impact assessment (SIA) is asked for.
Subjective outcomes are difficult to measure.