Choose a policy, describe it, find or make a logic model, then describe how the logic model applies to the policy and to the local levels of government (emergency management class)

Choose a policy, describe it, find or make a logic model, then describe how the logic model applies to the policy and to the local levels of government (Emergency Management Class)
Logic Model Assignment: Description & Assessment of Policy or Program Operations
This is the first written assignments for the course. As stated in the syllabus (Section III, part A): “The
purpose of the assigned written work [in this course] is threefold: (1) the assignments…afford students the
opportunity to demonstrate substantive understanding of materials covered in course readings, lectures and
online discussion, (2) the assignments…permit students to develop and demonstrate research, analytic and
written communication skills, and (3) the written work permits the instructor to assess student knowledge,
skills and ability within this subject domain.” This logic model evaluation paper is related to the assigned
content covered in Units 1 and 2 and is explicitly intended to meet the learning objectives stated in the unit
materials and the course syllabus. Students should use an APA citation format for any documents (reports,
prior research studies) referenced in the paper.
Logic Model Assignment Requirements:
The first written assignment asks students to select any emergency or disaster management or homeland
security-related program or a policy administered by a public agency at any level of government. The
student will present an assessment of the underlying causal logic—explaining how the program or policy is
intended to function and how it yields specific outputs and outcomes. To do so, the student should provide
a short logic model description, including a graphic representation, of the selected program or policy
implementation effort, and an assessment of efficacy in practice.
In terms of assignment details: the student’s task for this assignment is to provide a description of how a
policy or program operates in practice. There is no set maximum or minimum length assigned, but about a
5-7 page paper is anticipated given it would be difficult to address assignment elements in any shorter
length. Papers that are longer than 7 pages are acceptable. Please note: the paper should include a
graphical representation of program operations or policy elements as this is a basic feature of any logic
model presentation.
In terms of substance and structure: the paper should provide a very short background on the public sector
agency selected, coupled with an overview of the policy or program being assessed. The paper then
should provide a logic model depiction of the policy or program, and guide the reader through an
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explanation of its “inputs,” “activities,” and “outcomes” elements. (The unit readings and lecture materials
will provide further guidance on logic models as an analytic tool.) The paper should characterize how these
elements interact and function in terms of producing observable outcomes (either or both short or long-term
outcomes, depending on the particulars of the program/policy being observed). The paper should conclude
with a brief analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the efficacy of the design and functioning of the
policy or program’s internal logic.
In sum: select a policy or program of interest to you, research the basic operational elements and purpose,
provide a short background on the organization and program, present the logic model (including a standard
graphical representation of operational elements), and then assess, briefly, what you see as the strengths
or weaknesses of the program’s operating logic in practice.
Purpose and learning objectives of the assignment:
A logic model is a widely used tool in assessing public policies and programs. This assignment assists
student KSA development in terms of producing an original logic model, including analysis of the strengths
and weaknesses of a real-world policy or program’s design and application. The assignment related to
concepts and issues covered in Units 1 and 2 of the course and assists students in learning how to identify
and assess causal relationships, as well as helping develop basic research and policy analysis skills.
Finally, the assignment helps continued improvement in written communication skills as well permitting
students to improved subject area knowledge about a program or policy relevant to their career interests.
Logic Model – Grading Rubric:
A grading rubric is provided for this written assignment; rubric details are available in Canvas. The
assignment will be graded on a 100-point scale, and is weighted to count as 23.3% of the final course
score.