In program planning, which type of objective ensures that the outcomes can be quantified?

In program planning, having clearly defined objectives is crucial for evaluating the success of an initiative. The type of objective that focuses on quantifiable outcomes is "Measurable." This means that the objective allows for tracking progress and assessing whether the desired outcomes have been achieved.

When objectives are measurable, they provide concrete criteria for assessing success. For example, instead of stating that you want to "increase participation in a nutrition program," a measurable objective might specify that you want to "increase participation by 20% within six months." This quantification not only sets a target to aim for but also makes it easier to collect data and evaluate the program's effectiveness over time.

Specific objectives focus on clear and specific outcomes but don’t necessarily guarantee that those outcomes can be quantifiably measured. Achievable objectives ensure that the goals set are realistic given the available resources and constraints but do not inherently address how those goals will be measured. Timely objectives emphasize the importance of deadlines and time frames for achieving goals but again do not deal directly with the capacity for quantification of outcomes.

Overall, measurable objectives enhance accountability and provide a clear framework for assessing the impact of community nutrition programs.