Our project management logic model

We are big fans of the logic model at Red Pencil. This stems from our team’s experience of using logic models to design programmes for international NGOs. We have used logic models to develop fundraising, communications, marketing and digital strategies. We have also used them to design whole-organisation strategies and evaluation frameworks.

Doug, formerly of Engineers Without Borders, described his team and board’s experience of working with us to develop their five-year strategy as:

“Commissioning Red Pencil to support our strategy and governance development turned out to be an extremely shrewd move.” Doug Harper, former CEO

So, when we came to design our own project management approach – we naturally turned to the logic model.

We base our delivery on the logic model approach and start with the desired changes. Activities follow. Even for smaller projects that don’t require all of these steps, we focus on the changes you want to see.

Our Seven-step logic model

1. Resolve Purpose – agree the changes (or outcomes)
2. Resource Project – agree outputs, budgets (inputs) and timeline
3. Research & Probe – document reading and internal interviews
4. Review & Pick brains – competitor review and external interviews
5. Refine Plan – finalise and deliver activities from insights
6. Rate Progression – monitor and evaluate

It is an adaptation, rather than a true reflection, of the logic model but we find it a useful guide through the principle stages of planning and delivering a project.

Anyone spot what we did with our seven-steps, BTW? hello@www.redpencil.co.uk