Description
Return target - baseline, observed - baseline, and target - observed as targetChange, achievedChange, and remainingGap.
Policy indicators relate supplied targets, dates, categories, and measured quantities. A computed gap or formatted label can describe a record without establishing policy effectiveness or a causal explanation.
Return target - baseline, observed - baseline, and target - observed as targetChange, achievedChange, and remainingGap.
When to use this tool
Use Policy Target Baseline Gap when you need one policy-monitoring component with the numerator, denominator, and time basis made explicit.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter baseline, target, observed. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read targetChange, achievedChange, remainingGap. Use the output convention below.
Return target - baseline, observed - baseline, and target - observed as targetChange, achievedChange, and remainingGap.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| baseline | Baseline | Required. Finite number. |
| target | Target | Required. Finite number. |
| observed | Observed | Required. Finite number. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| targetChange | Target Change | Required. Finite number. |
| achievedChange | Achieved Change | Required. Finite number. |
| remainingGap | Remaining Gap | Required. Finite number. |
{
"input": {
"baseline": 20,
"target": 50,
"observed": 35
},
"output": {
"targetChange": 30,
"achievedChange": 15,
"remainingGap": 15
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- All values must share a measurement basis; the calculation assumes a higher numeric target direction and does not establish causal achievement or significance.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Review the source data, full policy definition, and relevant evaluation method before interpreting the indicator.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Intervention Coverage Shortfall
Divide nonnegative coveredCount by positive targetCount for coverageFraction and floor target minus covered at zero for shortfallCount.
- Proportional Offset From Baseline
Multiply baseline by relativeOffset for offset and by 1 + relativeOffset for adjusted.