Logic Model

How does a logic model help with communication?

Communications is key to success and sustainability. A simple, clear graphic representation helps communicate about our program or initiative, whether it be with/to program staff, those funding the programs, or other key stakeholders.

External factors include:

cultural milieu climate economic structure housing patterns demographic patterns political environment background and experiences of program participants media influence changing policies and priorities

What does the impact represent?

impact is synonymous with the *long-term* outcome or your goal. It is at the farthest right on the logic model graphic. Impact refers to the ultimate, longer-term changes in social, economic, civic, or environmental conditions. In common usage impact and outcomes are often used interchangeably.

What are some examples of impact?

increase economy security reduced rates of teen smoking improved air quality

What can be the focus of outcomes?

individual group agency, organization system community

What comes after priorities?

inputs

Assumptions

his is the "theory" we are talking about: the underlying beliefs in how it will work. These are validated with research and experience. Assumptions underlie and influence the program decisions we make.

In outcomes - impact: what are the three types?

-short term -medium term -long term

Short output definition

"what we do" "what we offer"

What are some examples of medium term impact

*action behavior practice decision-making policies social action

What are some examples of long term impact?

*conditions social economic civic environmental

What are some examples of short term impact?

*learning awareness knowledge attitudes skills opinions aspirations motivations

Is logic model only used in evaluation?

-No: We find it equally helpful for planning and program design, managing programs and communicating.

Assumptions are principles, beliefs, ideas about:

-The problem or situation. -The resources and staff. -The way the program will operate. -What the program expects to achieve -The knowledge base. -The external environment. -The internal environment -The participants: how they learn, their behavior, motivations, etc.

External factors may have a major influence on achievement of outcomes. They may affect:

-The speed and degree to which change occurs -Staffing patterns and resources available -Program implementation -Participants and recipients

What questions do you ask about the situation?

-What is the problem/issue? -Why is this a problem? (What causes the problem?) -For whom (individual, household, group, community, society in general) does this problem exist? -Who has a stake in the problem? (Who cares whether it is resolved or not?) -What do we know about the problem/issue/people that are involved? -What research, experience do we have? What do existing research and experience say?

Where can logic models be applied?

-a small, focused program -a comprehensive initiative -a process, such as a team or community group working together -an organization (local or national) -even a single event or product such as a conference, a tip sheet, a news letter or this online module

What are the two outputs broken up?

-activities -participation

Avoid what two traps?

-assuming you know what caused the problem -defining the problem as a need: ex: communities need leadership training

What are some examples of output activites?

-conduct workshops, meetings -deliver services -develop products, curriculum, resources -train -provide counseling -assess -facilitate -partner -work with media

What four things do we need to consider with our outcomes?

-important -reasonable -realistic -potentially negative/ accompanied by negative consequences

Explain the logic model of taking a vacation:

-input: family members, budget, car, camping equipment -output: drive to state park, set up camp, cook, play, talk, laugh, hike -outcome: family members learn about each other, family bonds, family has a good time

Explain the logic model of hunger:

-input: find food -output: eat food -outcome: feel better

Explain the logic model of a headache:

-input: get pills -output: take pills -outcome: feel better

What are the three components of a logic model?

-inputs -outputs -outcomes -impact

What is logic model the core in?

-planning -program management -evaluation -communications

What is logic model also called/known as?

-program theory -theory of action

The core components of a complete evaluation plan include?

1) focusing the evaluation 2) collecting information 3) analyzing information 4) using information

How does a logic model help with program management?

A logic model displays the connections between resources, activities and outcomes. As such it is the basis for developing a more detailed management plan. During the course of implementation, a logic model is used to explain, track and monitor operations, processes and functions. It serves as a management tool as well as a framework to monitor fidelity to the plan.

How does a logic model help with evaluation?

A logic model is the first step in evaluation. It helps determine when and what to evaluate so that evaluation resources are used effectively and efficiently. Through evaluation, we test and verify the reality of the program theory - how we believe the program will work. A logic model helps us focus on appropriate process and outcome measures. Some people think of the logic model as an evaluation model, probably, because it is so widely used by evaluators. It is not an evaluation model but does help in evaluation.

How does a logic model help with planning?

A logic model serves as a framework and a process for planning to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It provides a structure for clearly understanding the situation that drives the need for an initiative, the desired end state and how investments are linked to activities for targeted people in order to achieve the desired results. We find the logic model equally useful for broad-scale planning as well as more specific program design.

Recognize assets

By recognizing assets, we confirm capabilities, build upon strengths, and empower. Think about existing assets that can be mobilized to support your work.

What is involved in priority setting

Once the situation and problem are fully analyzed, priorities can be set. Seldom can we undertake everything so we have to prioritize

The logic model describes the ___________ thought to bring about benefits or change over time. It portrays the chain of reasoning, that links investments to results.

Sequence of events

What is the most important step?

Take time to understand the situation and carefully define the problem.

What is the situation defined as?

The problem or issue that the program is to address sits within a setting or situation--a complex of sociopolitical, environmental, and economic conditions. If you incorrectly understand the situation and misdiagnose the problem, everything that follows is likely to be wrong.

What is the foundation of the logic model?

The situation

Please note!

The situation sets the foundation for everything that follows and is what we return to in order to see if we are making a difference. Too often we design and implement programs without fully considering and understanding the situation. The better we understand the situation and analyze the problem fully, the easier our logic model development will be.

What is logic modeling really?

a way of thinking

What do outputs represent?

are activities conducted or products created that reach targeted participants/populations. Outputs lead to outcomes.

What do the outcome - impact represent?

are changes or benefits for individuals, families, groups, businesses, organizations, and communities. Outcomes occur along a path from shorter-term achievements to longer-term achievements (impact). Outcomes help us answer: What difference are we making?

For review, what are outputs?

are the activities, services, events, and products that reach people (individuals, groups, agencies) who participate or who are targeted.

What are assumptions?

are the beliefs we have about the program and the people involved and the way we think the program will work.

For review, what are outcomes?

are the direct results or benefits for individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or systems. -Outcomes can be short-term, medium-term, or longer-term achievements. Outcomes may be positive, negative, neutral, intended, or unintended.

For review, what are inputs?

are the resources and contributions that you and others make to the effort

What do inputs represent?

are the resources invested that allow us to achieve the desired outputs.

Outcomes can

be unintended and negative so it is important to think about the unexpected, as well as the expected, as we craft our logic models

The environment in which the program exists includes a variety of _____________ that can influence the program's success.

external factors

What is a logic model?

is a simplified picture of a program, initiative, or intervention that is a response to a given situation.

For, review what are some examples?

knowledge skill development changes in behavior capacities decision making policy development

What factors influence your determination of focus?

mission, values, resources, expertise, experience, history, what you know about the situation, and what others are doing in relation to the problem

Are situations static?

no

What comes after outputs

outcomes

What comes after inputs?

outputs

What are some examples of output participation

participants clients agencies decision-makers customers

What comes after situation?

priority setting

What type of relationships does a logic model show?

shows the logical relationships among the resources that are invested, the activities that take place, and the benefits or changes that result.

What are the six components of logic models?

situation/priorities input output outcome - impact assumptions external factors

SMART outcomes

specific measurable attainable results-oriented timed

What are some examples of inputs?

staff volunteers time money research base materials equipment technology partners

A logic model is a _________ that shows the connection of interdependent parts that together make up the whole. As with systems thinking, we know that a total program is greater than the sum of the individual parts.

system model

For review, give me some examples:

time people (staff, volunteers) money materials equipment partnerships research base technology

What is impact

ultimate consequence or effects of the program

For review, what are some examples

workshops services conferences community surveys facilitation in-home counseling