When logic models are viewed as a valuable planning and learning tool and used with other programmatic tools, it increases the likelihood that your organization will use them.
So, let’s update your program’s logic model!
This activity is ideal for:
- Anyone responsible for designing and/or implementing programs and services
What you’ll need:
- A program or service logic model
The steps:
This activity assumes that your program has a logic model, as you won’t be able to update it if you don’t have one.
Visually, your logic model could look like this:
Regardless of how your logic model is designed, it should have the following columns:
- Inputs (resources put into the program)
- Outputs (program activities and the direct result of the activities)
- Intended outcomes (divided into short-term , intermediate, and long-term)
Optional rows at the bottom of the logic model can include:
- Assumptions (the program’s “theory”, including any underlying beliefs in how it will work, validated by research and experience)
- Internal and external factors (anything occurring within and outside of the program that may influence intended outcomes)
Before starting, make a copy of your current logic model. Set aside the original logic model, as the new copy will be the new logic model.
Now, to update your logic model, discuss the following questions for each column:
- Inputs: Has there been any changes in the resources we’re putting into this program?
- Outputs: Has there been any changes to who this program intends to reach? Have we made any changes to the activities based on the participants?
- Outcomes: Based on new information in the inputs and outputs, are these outcomes still relevant? How can we measure each outcome?
- Assumptions: Are our assumptions clear and based on emerging information?
- Internal/external factors: What factors are occurring, internal to the program and in the external environment, that may impact program implementation?
- Overall: Is this logic model clear, concise, and accurately conveying what actually happens in this program?
Let’s process:
Hopefully these questions are straightforward for you to use as you update your logic model.
Also, if your logic models have usually been used in a siloed way, consider how your new logic model can be used in partnership with other learning and evaluation tools for your program. These tools are working together to create a holistic, comprehensive approach to program development and implementation.
Key takeaway
Routine review and updates to a program logic model occur when something significant happens that could impact a program’s inputs, outputs, or outcomes.
More staff, a loss of funding, emerging subject matter data, issues with participant recruitment, and others can impact the course of the program, and the contents of your logic model.
As you talk through these questions, use the new copy of your logic model to add the updated information. Add today’s date on the new logic model so that you can archive the original. And remember to update your logic model when significant programmatic changes occur.
Try this activity and let me know how it goes for you (or if you need support.)
Raise Your Voice: When was the last time you updated your program’s logic model? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
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