LOGIC MODEL

• Logic model on-line, self-study module: "Enhancing Program Performance with Logic Models
• A resource for teaching and training about logic models, posted in February 2008.
  • Developing a logic model: Teaching and training guide - includes handouts and printed slide notes pages (118 pages, 3.1MB)
  • PowerPoint slide file (86 slides, 5.MB)
• Examples of logic models
• More logic model information >>>

The logic model is at the center of UW-Extension Program Development. It displays the sequence of actions that describe what the program is and will do – how investments link to results. We include 5 core components in this depiction of the program action:

1. INPUTS: resources, contributions, investments that go into the program
2. OUTPUTS: activities, services, events and products that reach people who participate or who are targeted
3. OUTCOMES: results or changes for individuals, groups, communities, organizations, communities, or systems
4. Assumptions: the beliefs we have about the program, the people involved, and the context and the way we think the program will work
5. External Factors: the environment in which the program exists includes a variety of external factors that interact with and influence the program action.

In UW-Extension, we use the logic model in planning, implementation, evaluation and communication. While the term “program” is often used, we find a logic model equally useful for describing group work, team work, community-based collaboratives and other complex organizational processes as we seek to promote results-based performance.

The UW-Extension logic model draws on experience with the USAID Log Frame (~1971) and the hierarchy of program effectiveness (Bennett, 1976; later with Rockwell, 1995), long a program evaluation framework in Cooperative Extension nationwide as well as work by Wholey, 1979, 1987; Mayeske, 1994; Reisman, 1994; United Way, 1996; Montague, 1997 and others. This logic model classifies Activities as OUTPUTS where we also include Participation. This has

• allowed us to simplify the model and language
• helped us focus on outcomes versus outputs
• allowed us to attend equally to the important aspects of who participates or is reached that is central to our programming and diversity goals.

The UW-Extension logic model serves as the conceptual framework for the institution-wide Impact Indicator initiative based in the UWEX Vice-Chancellor’s office. A variety of resource materials and professional development offerings are available to help faculty, staff and partners understand and use the logic model in planning, implementation, evaluation and communications.

• Logic Model Placemat: Print the 8 1/2 X 11 form and laminate. A rigid lamination works best.
  • Side A Front (4 color-PDF, 1 page, 129 KB)
  • Side B Back - MS Excel Worksheet (3 sheets, 21 KB)
  • Worksheet Instructions: Depicting a theory of change (1 page, 12 KB)
• Logic model on-line, self-study module: "Enhancing Program Performance with Logic Models"
• Bibliography
• Templates for creating a logic model
• Examples of logic models
• Logic models to enhance program performance presentation (32 pages, 1767 KB)
• Logic models to enhance program performance presentation - MS Powerpoint (32 slides, 2000 KB)
• Logic models:  A framework for program planning and evaluation (March 2005) presentation (34 pages, 1007 KB)
• Logic models:  A framework for program planning and evaluation (March 2005) - MS Powerpoint (34 slides, 6000 KB)