Overview: In order to help clients achieve a desired change, strong and successful programs are both intentional in their goals and activities, as well as replicable among similar environments. A logic model details specific program elements in order to enable critical analysis of a program. Students will create a logic model for a selected program and explain the connections among the various program elements.
Purpose of the Analysis: The purpose of this assignment is for foundation year social work students to develop skills in applying analytical tools used by agencies to describe, develop, review, and evaluate a selected program. A logic model documents the resources and activities needed to create and operate a program, the results expected, and the outcomes or changes envisioned as a result of participation. By constructing a logic model for al selected program, students will gain an understanding of the structure and function of the program.
Requirements: Gather information about your agency from your agency’s written materials, websites, and/or discussion with staff members (e.g., field supervisor). Read and reflect on course materials related to organizational theories and the logic model. Then, create a logic model for a selected program at your agency. This model should be aspirational (how the program intends to work). The logic model must fit on a standard letter size piece of paper and must include: resources/ inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, assumptions, and external forces. The model must be your own work and not one prepared by the agency/program.
For the written analysis:
Agency & program overview: Include a brief description of the agency and of the selected program. Identify strengths and challenges of both.
Organizational theory: Using either rational, natural, or open systems, choose an organizational theory from the class to understand the organization’s functioning. Identify at least two concepts from the theory, describe them, and then apply them to describe how personnel are organized and how decisions are handled.
Logic model description and analysis:
Program strengths/ challenges: Identify the strengths and challenges of the program as it is currently functioning. This may be different from the aspirational vision of the logic model.Discuss the continuity or discord among the identified elements.
External factors: Identify and discuss the external factors (political, economic, cultural, service environment, funding, etc.) that may be impacting the program’s functioning. Identify factors on both the agency and community levels. This may require some logical leaps, so be sure to think about what external factors may be shaping the program, its processes, or the target population.
Assumptions: Identify the assumptions supporting the current program operations (e.g., client needs, funding, effective programming, etc.)
Visual depiction of the logic model
Recommendation: Identify and provide rationale for ONE recommendation to improve the program’s functioning based on your analysis.