Create a Road Map

Thoughtful design of the logic model with your collaboration will create the system change that the group defined during the root cause analysis.

Logic models may use words or pictures to help define the collaboration goals and shape planning, design, management, accountability, and communication. It is a roadmap or blueprint that describes how elements of a project, including planned activities and expected outcomes, work together. They also help measure success and accountability. A solid logic model will also provide a strong foundation for future evaluation of your work.

Logic model components include:

• Problem statement
• Project goal
• Resources
• Activities
• Outputs/results
• Outcomes (immediate, intermediate, and long term)

Continue to engage diverse stakeholders in planning the logic model and work plan to ensure alignment, support and shared understanding of project goals, and approach. Be open to adapting your work, if needed.

Use feedback loops and action learning to adapt and develop your strategies as you go. Again, the logic model will also help provide accountability and help you check-in on your big picture progress. Use your logic model to evaluate the success of your work.

This logic model tool from NORC provides helpful tool descriptions of the key components of a logic model, as well as a template and example. Another helpful resource in creating your logic model is the Innovation Network Logic Model Workbook.

Using the analogy of our trip to Portland, the logic model provides a visual of the big buckets required to get us to our destination. The work plan is your management tool built from the logic model that ensures we complete the tasks necessary to achieve each strategy.

The components of a work plan include:

• Problem Statement
• Project Goal
• Project Objective
• Activities
• Person Responsible
• Timing
• Products/Results

The work plan helps your collaboration achieve agreement on outcomes, goals and related activities, work products, and timelines. Your collaboration can use the same problem statement outlined in the root cause analysis and entered on the logic model. The big buckets in the logic model are your project objectives. Work together to list the strategies and sequences selected and assign timing, results, and a person responsible.

Work plans also serve as useful project management tools that help with planning and implementation. Effective collaborations should use their work plan as the shared meeting agenda. When you check in on the progress of objectives at every meeting—and also discuss previously agreed upon activities—you keep the collaboration on track and accountable for implementing strategies.

This work plan template from NORC is a great tool that can help you manage your project. Considering reviewing and updating your work plan every six months, as activities are completed and as new data emerges that might affect your strategies and timeline.