Term

Definition

Source

Activity

A set of actions by and for stakeholders that uses the programme’s features to deliver outcomes that in turn deliver benefits. Described as end-states rather than change processes

Benefit

The value placed by a stakeholder on the performance improvement or a new capability resulting from an outcome.

A dis-benefit is an outcome that the stakeholder sees as detrimental to personal interests.

Benefit Category

A grouping of similar benefits used to aid the prioritisation and selection of benefits, e.g. the National Standards’ seven domains (patient safety, etc).

Benefit Measure

An observable item that can be used to demonstrate that the benefit has been obtained.

Benefit Owner

The person who is responsible for the delivery of an individual benefit, (cf. Senior Responsible Owner for a whole project).

Benefit Profile

The complete description of a benefit or dis-benefit

MSP

Goal Contribution Map

A particular type a causal map that links enabler, features, activity, outcomes, benefits goals and drivers

Based on Cranfield definition

Benefits Management

The overall set of decisions, processes and activities that facilitates the optimal use of scarce resources to deliver appropriate benefits to identified stakeholders.

Benefits Measurement Plan

A plan (and schedule) to carry out a set of measurement activities that together will collect data that will demonstrate whether or not the desired performance improvement and benefits measures have been achieved and in the expected timescales.

Benefits Plan

A plan that shows how the intended benefits will be obtained. It consists of a narrative, Goal Contribution Map and Benefits Profiles.

Benefits Realisation Framework

The rules, processes and organisation set up to support the delivery of benefits.

Benefits Realisation Plan

A comprehensive plan to realise benefits, consisting of:

• Goals and Benefits
• Implementation Plan
• Benefits Measurement and Review Plan
• Stakeholder Management Plan

Benefits Register

A catalogue of the benefits profiles of all possible benefits from the programme.

Capability

A service, function or operation that enables the organisation to exploit opportunities

MSP

Causal Map

A cause-effect map relating actions-to-change to outcomes. The actions-to-change will be the necessary and sufficient set of activities required to shift the organisation from its status quo to the new state, which is perceived will deliver the desired benefits..

Driver

A view held by relevant stakeholders as to what is important in the organisation, in a given timescale, such that they feel that changes must occur.

Cranfield

Objective

A purpose for the programme/project, determined by the drivers of the key stakeholder groups.

Outcome

The result of change, normally affecting real-world behaviour and/or circumstances. Outcomes are achieved as a result of the actions-to-change.

Based on MSP definition

Outcome Measure

An observable item that can be used to demonstrate that the outcome has been achieved.

Performance Improvement

The measurable improvement (in the dimensions of shorter elapsed, more efficient use of resources, increased quality of output, reduced risk of process failure, increase consistency of delivery) to an organisation’s activity or process resulting from an outcome

Based on MSP definition

Performance Improvement Measure

An observable item that can be used to demonstrate that the performance improvement has been achieved.

Stakeholder

An individual or group who will face a significant impact from a business change.

Stakeholder Table

A diagram that shows stakeholder groups, their interest and values and inter-relationships.

Enabler

The left hand item in a Goal Contribution Map, it is a succinct description of the programme / project that sets the boundaries of the benefits management exercise.

Feature

A discrete component of the enabler, e.g. separate applications in a portfolio of software