| |
Logic Models
Top Tips
Logic models
are all about connections. Connections
between where you are and where you are going, connections between resources,
activities and outcomes, and connections between what you plan to do and what
you intend to achieve. A logic model
graphically displays your program elements and the connections among them and
makes it easier to explain what you intend to do to potential funders, other
stakeholders and your community. A logic
model improves your program and increases the likelihood of success by
organizing and systematizing program planning, management and evaluation. Logic models are also powerful consensus
building and communication tools.
What is a Logic Model?
There are
various definitions of what constitutes a logic model, but at its core, a logic
model connects your planned work to your intended results.
- Basically a logic model is a systematic and visual way to present and share your
understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your
program, the activities you plan to do, and the changes or results you hope to
achieve.” (Logic Model
Development Guide, W.K. Kellogg Foundation) www.wkkf.org/Pubs/Tools/Evaluation/Pub3669.pdf
- Logic Models are a
framework for describing the relationships between investments, activities, and
expected changes. (Jara Dean-Coffey, Center for Civic Partnership’s 2007 Organizational Learning and Evaluation Conference )www.civicpartnerships.org/docs/home/07OLEPresentations
Why should I develop and use a Logic Model?
Logic
models are very useful tools throughout the process of designing, implementing,
managing and evaluating programs. They
require time for thoughtful consideration and discussion among stakeholders,
but the investment pays off in many ways.
A
logic model will:
-
Strengthen
your program by identifying assets, weaknesses and gaps in program logic
-
Help
find the best scenario by exploring multiple possibilities
-
Allow for adjustments and corrections as your program unfolds
-
Assist in decisions about allocating limited resources
-
Build understanding and promote consensus, buy-in and teamwork
-
Help clarify what should be evaluated and when
-
Improve your ability to communicate with multiple audiences –
stakeholders, potential funders, community members
-
Increase your program’s marketability and attractiveness to
funders
-
Bottom line –- a logic model will increase your program’s likelihood of success
Logic models come in all different sizes and shapes and include different content and
information based on the type of model and its primary purpose. There are three
basic types of logic models focused on different purposes at different stages
of the program cycle.
-
During planning and design,
the logic model framework helps you think through your program strategy and
figure out how you are going to get from where you are to where you want to
be. It provides a structure for stakeholders
to determine and clearly understand how resources are linked to activities for
targeted groups to achieve the desired results.
-
During implementation, a
logic model forms the basis for developing a detailed management plan. A logic model helps you track, monitor and
improve operations to better manage results and to make program adjustments as
necessary to achieve identified outcomes.
-
During evaluation and
reporting, a logic model helps determine when and what to evaluate, what
the most appropriate process and outcome measures might be, document
accomplishments and organize data. Although a logic model assists the evaluation process, it is NOT an
evaluation model or method.
What goes into a Logic Model?
Different
logic model frameworks include different components; however, most all models
include the following basic components, albeit sometimes with different names:
-
Inputs (also called resources,
investments) – what you have to work with to develop and implement your program,
for example, human, financial, organizational and community resources.
-
Activities (also called interventions,
processes, strategies, methods) – what you plan to do with your resources, for
example, developing products, providing services, engaging in policy advocacy,
building infrastructure, etc.
-
Outputs – what tangible products or
results will be produced by your activities, for example, types, levels and
targets of services to be delivered by your program. Outputs lead to desired outcomes—benefits for
participants, families, communities, or organizations—but are not themselves
the changes you expect your program will produce.
-
Outcomes (also referred to as
results, expected changes, short-term, mid-term, long-term outcomes, and
impacts) - what changes you expect to
occur as a result of your program, for example, the specific changes in program
participants’ behavior, knowledge, skills, status and level of
functioning. In general short-term
outcomes occur within 1-3 years, mid-term outcomes within 4-6 years and
long-term outcomes or impacts within 7-10 years. Impacts are generally larger changes that
occur in organizations, communities and/or systems over time.
In addition
to the core components, some more complex logic models also include problem
statements, external factors, situation and priorities, research/best
practices, data sources, measures, assumptions, rationale and external
factors.
What is the difference between a Logic Model and a Theory of Change?
Essentially, a logic
model visually presents your understanding of the relationships among your
program’s resources, planned activities and anticipated results and usually
applies to a single program. In
contrast, a theory of change defines how and why you expect the desired outcomes to occur and usually applies to
several programs or the whole organization. Logic models clarify what you
are doing; theories of change clarify why you are doing it.
Logic
Model
|
Theory
of Change
|
Graphically illustrates program
components, identifies outcomes, inputs and activities
|
Links outcomes and activities
to explain how and why the expected change will occur
|
Usually starts with a program
and illustrates its components
|
Usually starts with a goal
before deciding on program components
|
Requires identification of
program components, but doesn’t show why activities are expected to produce
outcomes
|
Requires justification for
program components; specifies the hypothesis about why something will cause
something else
|
Sometimes includes indicators
to measure outcomes
|
Requires identifying indicators
to measure outcomes
|
Best used to demonstrate you
have carefully identified the inputs, outputs and outcomes of your work
|
Best used to design and
evaluate a complex initiative
|
Online Tools, How-To Guides and
Practical Resources
Logic Model Development Guide – W.K.
Kellogg Foundation
www.wkkf.org/Pubs/Tools/Evaluation/Pub3669.pdf
This
comprehensive manual (78 pages), guides you through developing a logic model by
providing specific exercises, forms and checklists to create your logic
model. It also provides numerous
examples to help you understand the process. The manual includes information on developing a theory of change integrated with your
logic model.
Point K Learning Center, Logic Model Builder™ and Logic Model Workbook - Innovation Network
www.innonet.org/pointk
The Point K Learning Center features free, practical tools and resources
for non-profit planning, evaluation and action. The on-line Logic Model Builder™ is designed to walk you through
developing a logic model for your initiative and to provide helpful
information, examples and resources along the way. The site also provides valuable resources,
including the Innovation Network’s Logic Model Workbook, links to a logic model
tutorial and other useful publications focused on logic models. Free registration is required.
Enhancing Program Performance with
Logic Models –
University
of
Wisconsin
Extension
www.uwex.edu/ces/lmcourse/
This is
an online course for developing and applying logic models. Designed for the
beginner, it is very user-friendly and includes an audio track, worksheets, printable
outlines, resources, and examples
Logic Model Builder –
FRIENDS
National
Resource
Center
for Community-Based
Child Abuse Prevention & Child Welfare Information Gateway
www.toolkit.childwelfare.gov/toolkit
This online tool walks you
through the process of developing a logic model. This tool is specific to child abuse/neglect
prevention, family support and parenting programs, but the format and process
can be adapted for other social change efforts. The plan is downloadable to Microsoft Word, so it can be customized
and/or reformatted to meet individual program/organization needs. See also www.friendsnrc.org/outcome/toolkit/evalplan/logic/index.htm for
links to other logic model formats and an online logic model tutorial.
Reflect and Improve Tool Kit -
Innovation
Center
for Community and Youth Development
The Reflect and Improve Tool Kit can be accessed for free at http://www.theinnovationcenter.org/files/Reflect-and-Improve_Toolkit.pdf
Beginning on page 25, the Reflect and Improve Tool Kit provides an overview of logic
models, benefits and a guided exercise for a group to develop an initial draft
of their own logic model. Also includes
minimal information on theories of change. The tool kit is focused on community building efforts involving youth,
but the information is generic.
Learn More about Logic Models
Learning from Logic Models in Out of School time - Harvard Family Research Project
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/learning-from-logic-models-in-out-of-school-time
Provides
an overview of logic models, a guide to terms and definitions, examples of
components, steps for creating your logic model and a format for adding
evaluation components.
Guidelines and Framework for
Designing Basic Logic Model – Free Management Library www.managementhelp.org/np_progs/np_mod/org_frm.htm
Provides a
brief summary of the basic principles of logic models and includes a standard
template.
Logic Model Overview –
University
of
Wisconsin
Extension
www.uwex.edu/ces/pdande/evaluation/evallogicmodel.html
Includes
an overview of the
University
of
Wisconsin
’s approach
to logic models and links to workbooks, PowerPoint presentations, numerous
examples of logic models and downloadable forms/templates in multiple
formats.
Logic Model Resources – CDC
Evaluation Working Group
www.cdc.gov/eval/resources.htm
A list of
links from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Evaluation Working
Group to connect with numerous sites with information, workbooks, examples and
tools for developing and using logic models.
Everything You Wanted to Know About
Logic Models but Were Afraid to Ask – InSites & Professional Evaluation
Services
www.insites.org/documents/logmod.htm
This paper,
funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, provides a basic overview of logic
models - what they are, their benefits and suggestions for level of detail and
format. It is written for a foundation,
but most of the information applies to non-profits and grantees.
© Public Health Institute, Center for Civic Partnerships 2007
Back to top |
|
|
|
|
