Program Evaluation Strengths and Limitations

Logic Model

I would use a logic model. Logic models work with graphics and schematic models leading one to articulate clearly what one wants to achieve, what one's objectives are, and how to achieve them. Logic models also have diagrams that help one assess if th outcomes have been achieved and what results are, and what one still has to do to achieve one's objectives.

There are many types of logic models. I choose logic models in preference to other models for they help me see clearly what I am doing as well as providing me with an efficient and clear method of staying on track and helping me achieve my goals.

The logic model is implemented by the person first clearly knowing what his/her objectives are and the linkages to achieving those objectives. The logic model in short comprises goal, objectives, resources, activities, process measures, outcomes, outcome measures, and external factors.

A diagram of a logic model, for instance, would be headed by the encompassing overall gaol. This would then narrow down to various subunits each headed by a different category with arrows pointing to the next unit. These are:

Objectives - the expected achievements of the goal that are stated in well-defined, explicit terms

Resources -- the means available to accomplish the goal

Activities - the tasks needed to accomplish the objectives (in order to actuate goal)

Process measure -- data that is used to demonstrate implementing of activities

Outcome -- the results of the activities, whether intentional or unintentional. There are 3 kinds: (I) initial -- immediate results of program

(II) Intermediate -- results that follow initial results

(III) long-term -- the ultimate impact of the program

Outcome measures -the data that is used to measure outcome in order to assess whether objective has been achieved.

Strengths of this program includes the fact that it is specific and delineated, using carefully spelled out and verifiable metrics in order to assess results and proceeding in a factual, condensed and extremely specific manner. It, in essence, uses the scientific approach to clearly define its goal, does so in tangible ways, and then proceeds in discrete series of steps, to define the tasks, the resources that one has for these tasks, the metrics for assessing outcome, and the outcome as assessed by these metrics. The entire model is quantifiable. These are its strengths.

Its weaknesses are general to any venture, however scientific it is, that precludes a large and different diversity of people -- all able to act independently -- from articulating their objectives and steps to achieving those objectives as well as outcome. In other words, authors of objective, metrics, all details of the process are ultimately subjective and engaged in desiring success of venture. This may very well impede their objectivity and judgment and disable them from gaining a clear and authentic assessment of results. What it needs is a diverse groups of outsiders who are not involved in project and who do not have any specific agenda regarding the result. These outsiders will then more likely be able to evaluate program more dispassionately than the program members themselves.