A logic model is a visual representation that outlines how a program is intended to work by linking its resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes. It serves as both a planning and evaluation tool, helping stakeholders clearly understand the logical connections between what a program does and what it hopes to achieve.
At its core, a logic model answers the question: If we invest certain resources into specific activities, what results can we expect to see? Typically, a logic model includes five main components:
- Inputs: The resources used such as funding, staff, and materials.
- Activities: The actions or interventions carried out using the inputs.
- Outputs: The immediate products or deliverables of those activities (e.g. number of workshops held).
- Outcomes: The short- and medium-term changes or benefits resulting from the outputs (e.g. increased knowledge or behavior change).
- Impact: The long-term, broader changes the program aims to contribute to (e.g. reduced poverty or improved health).
Why Use a Logic Model? #
Clarity: It helps clarify a program’s purpose and direction.
Communication: It makes it easier to share program design with stakeholders.
Evaluation: It provides a foundation for measuring progress and assessing impact.
In essence, a logic model is more than just a diagram—it’s a strategic tool that brings structure to program planning and helps ensure that efforts are aligned with desired results.
List of recommended resources #
For a broad overview #
This chapter by W.K. Kellogg provides an introduction to logic models and explains their usefulness to program stakeholders. It provides a brief into program planning and program implementation through a logic model.
Logic Model: A Comprehensive Guide to Program Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
This article by EvalCommunity gives a comprehensive introduction to logic models, their key components, why they are important in evaluation, as well as the steps to create a logic model.
For in-depth understanding #
Developing a Logic Model or Theory of Change
This chapter by The Community Tool Box, a service of the Center for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas, provides an in-depth understanding of logic models, when they can be used, how to create them, their various benefits and limitations, as well as what makes logic models effective.
Logic Models: A Beginner’s Guide
This beginner’s guide by the State of Michigan gives an overview on how to develop logic models, its basic theories, as well as examples to put the theory into practice.
Case study #
Growth, Employment, Skills and Female Labor Force
This report by Erol Taymaz presents an econometric study focused on labor market participation, with particular attention to women’s involvement and the factors influencing wage levels. The analysis involves estimating a multinomial logic model to examine the labor market participation choices of urban men and women for each year starting from 2000.
The Primary Health Care System in Fiji: A Primary Health Care Performance Initiative Assessment
This report, prepared by the World Bank Group, presents the results of the Vital Signs Profile (VSP) assessment carried out jointly by the World Bank and the Primary Health Care Performance Initiative (PHCPI), in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). The VSP serves as a tool to evaluate the current condition of Fiji’s primary health care (PHC) system, identifying both strengths and areas needing improvement. The assessment is structured around the PHCPI framework, which utilizes a logic model to guide its analysis.
