Hierarchical Logic Models as a Tool to Evaluate Programmatic Initiatives: Practical Solutions to Identified Problems.

Newbill S,Brown C,Wickman A,Helitzer D

doi:10.4172/2161-0711.1000522

Abstract

IntroductionLarge programmatic grants advance the missions of funding agencies or organizations. This article describes the programmatic impact of using “hierarchical” logic models in two Centers funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that were designed to achieve NIOSH goals. Such models are supportive of priority setting, policy implementation, and effective evaluation.MethodsTwo NIOSH Centers, an Agricultural Center and an Occupational Safety and Health Education and Research Center, used the same hierarchical logic model process to support the NIOSH programmatic goal of improving worker health and safety in their respective occupational categories. The logic model development processes were led by the same evaluator.ResultsCase studies describe the utilization of “hierarchical” logic models: in each case, NIOSH was the “grandparent”, the Center was its descendant (parent) and the cores were the children. This lineage was articulated through the Center-wide logic model and through the logic model of each of its core programmatic areas (core). The Center-wide logic model ensured that the Center’s goals, and the intended outcomes and impact of its work were linked to the mission and goals of NIOSH. Each core’s logic model articulated how its goals, activities, and outcomes were specifically linked to the Center-wide model.DiscussionA hierarchical logic model process ensures that the objectives of the funding agency or organization are addressed, and enables stakeholders to articulate the linkages between each layer. This facilitates the process of developing, implementing and evaluating programmatic elements within the framework of strategic planning.

Highlights

Large programmatic grants advance the missions of funding agencies or organizations
Each case study below demonstrates the links between one of the Center goals to the goals, objectives, and activities of its Outreach Core, as this component was a requirement for both the SW Center and Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center (MAP Education and Research Centers (ERCs))
The case studies described above demonstrate the ways in which a hierarchical logic model process may be used to link goals and outcomes between the funder (i.e., National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)), and two of its major initiatives, the Ag Centers and the ERCs

Summary

Introduction

Large programmatic grants advance the missions of funding agencies or organizations. This article describes the programmatic impact of using “hierarchical” logic models in two Centers funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that were designed to achieve NIOSH goals. Discussion—A hierarchical logic model process ensures that the objectives of the funding agency or organization are addressed, and enables stakeholders to articulate the linkages between each layer This facilitates the process of developing, implementing and evaluating programmatic elements within the framework of strategic planning. Most often presented as sequenced diagrams or flow charts, logic models demonstrate relationships among the following components: Statement of a problem, various causal and mitigating factors related to that problem, available resources to address the problem, intervention goals and planned activities, and anticipated short and long-term outcomes This traditional logic model framework may be augmented to include consideration of key factors that may hinder and/or enhance the wellbeing of the target population, or attainment of the goal set, and may affect the program at the individual, family, programmatic/organizational or policy level

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion