Using Logic Models

Abstract

Individuals responsible for designing, conducting, reporting, and using program evaluations are the primary audience for this chapter. The authors believe that program managers and staff will also find the logic model tool presented in this chapter useful for conceptualizing, planning, and communicating with others about their program. The logic model serves as a useful advance organizer when evaluators and others are designing evaluation studies and performance measurement systems. Logic models are increasingly used for program design and management. This usually requires development of a theory of change and means that more resources and time are needed to complete and update the logic model. The logic model describes the logical linkages among program resources, activities, outputs for customers reached, and short-term, intermediate, and long-term outcomes. Once this model of expected performance is produced, critical monitoring and evaluation areas can be identified. The chapter explains five stages in building a logic model.