What is a Logic Model?

The Western Region Program Leaders of Cooperative Extension have adopted a Logic Model in order to build a common language for accountability and evaluation across the organization. A Logic Model is a tool that may be useful in planning and evaluating programs, committee work and other collaborative projects. Our model has been adapted from University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX).

Our logic model contains six components with Inputs-Outputs-Outcomes being central to the built-in response to the model:

• Situation: The context and need that gives rise to a program or initiative; logic models are built in response to an existing situation.
  
  
• Inputs: The resources, contributions, and investments that are made in response to the situation. Inputs lead to Outputs.
  
  
• Outputs: The activities, products, methods, and services that reach people and users. Outputs lead to outcomes.
  
  
• Outcomes: The results and benefits for individuals, groups, agencies, communities and/or systems.
  
  
• Environment: The surrounding environment in which the program exists and which influences the implementation and success of the initiative, including (but not limited to) politics, climate, socio-economic factors, and market forces.
  
  
• Assumptions: The beliefs we have about the program, the participants and the way we expect the program to operate; the principles that guide our work. Faulty assumptions may be the reason we don't achieve the expected outcomes.