Which are the major steps involved in assuring high-quality outcomes?

The major steps involved in assuring high-quality outcomes are centered around establishing standards, measuring performance, and maintaining standards. This approach ensures that there is a clear benchmark for what constitutes quality, followed by an objective assessment of how well an organization or program is meeting these benchmarks.

Establishing standards involves creating specific, measurable criteria that define quality within a particular context. This forms the foundation for further actions. Measuring performance is the next critical step where actual outcomes are evaluated against the previously set standards. This step helps identify areas that are performing well and those that need improvement. Finally, maintaining standards ensures that quality is not just a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment that encourages continual assessment and adjustment to uphold or enhance quality over time.

The other options focus on different aspects of project management and evaluation, which do not specifically center around the systematic approach to assuring high-quality outcomes. While defining the target population or reviewing existing programs may contribute to understanding effectiveness, they do not encompass the direct cycle of standard setting and performance measurement essential for assuring quality.