Achieving Results
Achieving results means delivering on the Government of Canada’s (GoC) commitments, and in a way that provides real value for Canadians.
To deliver on GoC commitments, we need to nurture a culture of evidence-based decision-making. In other words, we need to shift to a Results and Delivery approach in all of our work.
A Results and Delivery approach answers three simple questions:
- What are we trying to achieve?
- How will we achieve it?
- How will we know if we are making progress?
Below you will find a variety of courses and resources to support you in implementing this approach, which are organized by theme:
- Measuring Performance and Results
- Analysis and Interpretation of Data
- Strengthening Relationships with Stakeholders
- Additional Resources
Many of the following learning activities are informal, so don’t forget to take credit for your learning by manually adding your activity to your learning history in Saba.
Measuring Performance and Results
The activities below will give you greater knowledge of the Results and Delivery mindset and help you better answer the questions “how will we achieve it?” and “how will we know if we are making progress?”
All Employees
Results and Delivery Tips
This Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) video will provide an overview of the results and delivery approach, and share 5 deceptively simple questions that will enable you to apply the Results and Delivery mindset to your programs and projects.
- Duration:
- 7 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Indicators, Targets and Outcomes – A Case Study
Outcomes and indicators are an essential ingredient to the Results and Delivery approach. This CSPS video will provide you with the key elements required to develop a good indicator and discuss 3 lessons from the accompanying case study.
- Duration:
- 6 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Employees responsible for reporting on results
Taking a LEAN Approach to Deliverology
Projects are much more likely to succeed when everyone has a clear understanding of its objectives. In this recorded webinar, learn about the principles, tools and approaches of Deliverology—including its advantages and potential challenges—and how to apply it to better manage projects.
- Duration:
- 90 minutes
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- 0002892
Results-based Management
Ultimately, it’s the results that matter. This course will link strategy to the performance measurements that are essential in determining whether our strategic objectives are being met. In this course, you will learn how to create a logic model, identify what to measure, and how to track and report your progress.
Please note that the College@ESDC offers this course in two different formats: virtual or in-person. Please visit Saba to view current offerings.
- Duration:
- 6 sessions of 1.25 hours (virtual classroom) or 2 days (Instructor-led classroom)
- Methodology:
- Virtual classroom OR instructor-led classroom
- Course ID:
- 00009259
The University of Ottawa offers this course publicly. These courses are available for a fee; manager approval is required prior to registration.
Performance Indicators for Performance Measurement
Performance indicators are key to measuring the results of a project, program, or initiative. Through this course, you will become more familiar with results statements and how to select and develop indicators to measure the impact of your work.
- Duration:
- 2 sessions of 1.25 hours
- Methodology:
- Virtual classroom
- Course ID:
- TBD
Intersol offers this course publicly. These courses are available for a fee; manager approval is required prior to registration.
Results, Delivery and Data Analytics – Roadmap to Success
Departments are under increasing pressure to report on their program results. This interactive workshop will provide you with an understanding of how you can design, implement and use performance measurement systems to report on results.
- Duration:
- 3.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Virtual classroom
- Course ID:
- TBD
The Institute on Governance offers this course publicly. These courses are available for a fee; manager approval is required prior to registration.
Results and Delivery Manual
This manual provides an overview of the best practices and lessons-learned from governments’ experience implementing a Results and Delivery approach around the world.
- Duration:
- 2.5 hour – 3.0 hour read
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Executives
Canadian Best Practices Portal – Key Element 3: Base Decisions on Evidence
This webpage outlines best practices for basing decisions on evidence.
- Duration:
- 40 minutes
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
Analysis and Interpretation of Data
A results-focused culture means that we make decisions using evidence from different data sources. The courses below will help you acquire the ability to analyze and interpret data for making recommendations and decisions.
All Employees
Strategic Thinking Video Series
This series of 7 videos will guide you through the steps of conducting strategic research for the purpose of making program recommendations. Search the keyword “Strategic Thinking” in Saba or use the links below.
- Duration:
- 10 to 20 minutes each (100 minutes total)
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Research: Why do it? A Quick Introduction - Saba 00007809
- Receiving the Assignment - Saba 00015423
- Using Strategy to Find Others Who Might Be Looking into Similar Issues - Saba 00015434
- An Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods - Saba 00015437
- An Introduction to Key Quantitative Research Methods - Saba 00015439
- Strategizing to Create New Data - Saba 00015442
- End-Use Strategizing - Saba 00015443
Employees responsible for reporting on results
Introduction to Data Analysis Using Excel (edX)
In this Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), gain the skills you need to build a dashboard in Excel to analyze your data.
- Duration:
- 8 – 16 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID:
- N/A
Introduction to Basic Statistic (Statistics Canada)
We know statistical measures such as percentages, averages, frequency and standard error are widely used, but how are they calculated, and what exactly do they tell us?
This workshop will help you determine how and when statistics should—and shouldn’t—be used. Ideal for those who have had some statistical training before or beginners ready for a fast-paced introduction to statistics for beginners.
- Duration:
- 7.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led Classroom
- Course ID
- 10H0104
Statistics Canada offers this course publicly. These courses are available for a fee; manager approval is required prior to registration.
Turning Statistics to Stories (Statistics Canada)
This one-day introductory workshop will help you to communicate your message in a more effective manner by focusing on defining your target audience, using statistics to present your story, and translating numbers into stories by learning how to use tables and graphs more effectively.
This course is offered in association with Statistics Canada.
- Duration:
- 7.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led Classroom
- Course ID:
- 00061165
Strengthening Relationships with Stakeholders
Good stakeholder relationships help us get results. Learn about how establishing and maintaining good relationships with clients, colleagues and other stakeholders leads to positive results.
All Employees
How the Canadian Government Works: Setting the Stage for Results (G180)
As public servants, it is important to understand how the complex system of government works and the factors that influence its decisions. This course examines the fundamental elements of government as it relates to Canadians, the government structure and approval system, the role of central agencies, policy and budget cycles, and the key players in the government process, both within and outside the public service.
- Duration:
- 0.8 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID
- G180
Leading Through Positive Influence (G020)
An effective leader recognizes that organizational politics can provide positive ways to influence others to accomplish goals. In this course, you will be guided through numerous methods and strategies for effectively influencing a team to accept your ideas.
- Duration:
- 0.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID
- G020
Employees responsible for reporting on results
Finding Your Bearings as a Project Manager (T039)
If you want to learn the basics of what it means to lead a project without all the technical jargon, this course is for you. You'll learn foundational concepts such as what a project is and what you'll be responsible for, and things you'll need to understand before planning begins. You'll also learn where to go to access useful information and how to identify the different types of people who will have an interest in the project—its stakeholders.
- Duration:
- 0.5 hours
- Methodology:
- Web-based
- Course ID
- T039
Executives
Public Consultations and Citizen Engagement (T418)
The Government of Canada is increasingly seeking out citizen input and stakeholder participation to enhance the decision-making and policy development processes. This course will help you to facilitate the policy development and public consultation processes by examining how to better understand stakeholder issues.
- Duration:
- 15 hours
- Methodology:
- Instructor-led classroom
- Course ID
- T418
Additional Resources
Explore the resources, topics, and courses below to strengthen your capacity to achieve results.
All Employees
Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+)
Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA+) is an analytical tool used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and gender-diverse people may experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” in GBA+ acknowledges that GBA+ goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences. We all have multiple identity factors that intersect to make us who we are; GBA+ also considers many other identity factors, like race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.
Learn more about how to use GBA+ to integrate, monitor and report throughout public policy, including the Cabinet approval process and in departmental results.
Connect on GC Campus and select "Gender-Based Analysis Plus" under Programs and series.
Results in the Government of Canada
Day in and day out, government departments work to achieve results on behalf of Canadians. On this website, learn more about the Results Agenda of the Government of Canada and key steps to help us do better.
Results-Based Management for International Assistance Programming at Global Affairs Canada: A How-to Guide
Learn more about Global Affairs Canada’s approach to Results-Based Management and its application to projects with this field guide.
Evidence-informed policy making: The role of monitoring and evaluation
Learn more about how monitoring and evaluation play a key role in developing evidence-based policies.
Canadian Failures: Stories of Building toward Success – Alex Benay
Read about the successes and failures of experts from academia and from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors to gain insight on how failure helps us to succeed
Find this book at your library or purchase it from a book retailer (about 10$ depending on format).
- Duration:
- Variable – 210 pages
- Methodology:
- Reading
- Course ID:
- N/A
- e-book available:
- Yes
Gartner (CEB) Subscription Service (primarily English-only)
Did you know that you can further your understanding of achieving results through the Gartner (CEB) subscription service? To access a host of articles, discussions and events, all you need to do is:
- Create an account
- Search their catalogue with the keywords “reporting”, “performance measurement”, “metrics” and “dashboards”.
Mouvement québécois de la qualité (French only)
Did you know that you have access to the Mouvement québécois de la qualité’s resources? To access a host articles, job-aids and trainings, all you need to do is:
- Create an account
- Search their catalogue with the keywords “tableau de bord”, “résultats” and “performance”.
Several competencies are required to achieve results. Be sure to browse the College@ESDC’s complete offering on competencies that support transformation such as strategic thinking, change management, project management, and risk management.
If you have questions about these offerings, contact your Learning Coordinator (NCR) or your Learning Centre (regions).