How to use a program logic model

How to use a program logic model • This is a continuation of part 1

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL FOR MEN STOPPING VIOLENCE; AN ORGANIZATION I WORKED WITH IN ATL.(WHOSE MISSION IS TO STOP MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN) IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT HOW THE INPUTS OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES, OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES CORRESPOND, YOU CAN SEE THE LOGIC OF THE PROGRAM AND HOW WE THINK CHANGE OCCURS

First purpose of the PLM is to show all program’s logic and theory of change • On the following slide there are 2 program objectives from the previous slide. Notice how each leads “logically’ to specific program activities and how each program activity leads to measurable outcomes. • The logic model allows you and stakeholder to see the connection between all parts of the program and their coherence

1. The connection between purpose (objectives) Function (activities) and results (outcomes). the program’s logic! 2. the program’s theory of change Here it is, behavioral accountability + cognitive educ.+ community awareness +emotional repair + increased resources = change. Notice that impacts Or long-term outcomes tend to be more global and far-reaching

Second purpose of a program logic model: To identify a. incongruities or b. missing pieces of the program – which could lead to modifying the research questions.

ANOTHER BATTERERS PROGRAM “SUPPOSEDLY” MODELED ON OURS. THEY HAVE THE SAME PROGRAM OBJECTIVES, BUT THE ONLY ACTIVITIES ARE BATTERERS GROUPS. CLEARLY THIS IS NOT ENOUGH TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES. ALSO NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO MEASURABLE OUTCOMES THIS NARROW RANGE OF ACTIVITY IS INADEQUATE TO ACCOMPLISH ALL OF THE PROGRAM OBJECTIVES SOMETHING IN THE PROGRAM NEEDS TO CHANGE! WHAT? THIS PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL IS SIMILAR TO MANY “DV” PROGRAMS I HAVE SEEN. THESE PROGRAMS GREW WHEN PEOPLE REALIZED THEY COULD MAKE MONEY OFF OF BATTERERS. THAT IS WHY THEY ONLY DO GROUPS. BAD PROGRAM!

FINAL PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL IS TO IDENTFY WHERE YOU NEED TO FOCUS IN THE EVALUATION! EACH AREA OF THE PROGRAM LOGIC MODEL WILL CORRESPOND, TO SOME DEGREE, WITH THE RESEARCH QUESTION! I CAN IDENTIFY WHERE IN THE PRGRAM I NEED TO FOCUS ON THE NEXT SLIDE ARE 3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS. WHERE DO THEY SUGGEST THAT YOU LOOK?

DO WE HAVE THE RESOURCES TO ACCOMPLISH OUR OBJECTIVES? • HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR ACTIVITIES? • ARE WE MEETING OUR OBJECTIVES?

Here is an example of a program logic model completed by a previous student. The model is for a 16 week parenting skills program

It should be clear from the preceding slides that a program logic model is • a diagram of the program and its parts • Their logical connections • Allowing the evaluator to show linkages • Displays the programs theory of change • What is missing from the program • Weaknesses and incongruities • A way to help stakeholders and evaluators to know where to focus • Program coherence and congruence of • Objectives • Inputs • Activities • Outputs • Outcomes • Indicators (if present) • ultimately allowing you to answer the question “Is it feasible to answer these • research questions now?” • Or • Do the questions need to change first OR 2. does the program need to • Change first OR 3. should we call it off for now.

How to use a program logic model