Three plausible rules, three results
A program might define completion as attending all sessions, attending a minimum proportion, or finishing a particular final activity. Each rule describes something different.
Choosing the rule after seeing the data can make the program appear more successful without changing anyone's experience.
Write the edge cases too
- How are canceled sessions handled?
- Do make-up sessions count?
- What happens if someone joins late?
- Is partial attendance sufficient?
- Which participants belong in the denominator?
A short definition with these details is often more useful than a complicated dashboard.
Completion does not equal benefit
Someone can complete a program without the intended outcome improving. Someone who leaves early may still benefit. Completion is usually a participation measure, and its relationship to outcomes needs evidence.
Version any change
If the rule changes, record when and why. Do not compare old and new rates as if the definition were constant. Recalculating earlier periods may be possible if the underlying data support it, but the method should be disclosed.
A clear operational definition helps staff collect consistently and readers interpret honestly. It also prevents a familiar word from carrying a stronger claim than the measurement actually supports.
