A program logic model (PLM) is a graphical depiction of the connections between the activities and desired short-term and long-term outcomes of a program or service. PLM’s identify plausible “chains” of causes and effects and usually include:
- the inputs required by the program (e.g. staff time)
- the expected immediate outputs arising from the program (e.g. documents produced)
- the desired outcomes (e.g. a trusted accreditation system)
- the related indicators (e.g. stakeholders are adequately consulted on proposed changes).
The Program Logic Model designed for the Engineers Canada accreditation system shows the connections between the accreditation inputs (resources, activities) and outputs, as well as the indicators associated with the seven key outcomes. The Program Logic Model is the foundation upon which the Evaluation Strategy is developed.
