Process Maps
A process map shows the flow of a program from inputs to actions to outputs in a clear, step-by-step visual presentation. Process maps help all team members understand how a program is supposed to work and ensures that all team members are implementing the program with fidelity.
Journey Maps
Part of ensuring your clients have a great experience and get the most out of your programs is understanding their “journey” through your system. A journey map shows how your clients interact with your programs and services from intake, to program delivery, all the way to their exit. Journey maps can be used to better understand your clients’ needs and inform decisions to improve program design.
Procedure Guides
Every successful program has formalized and documented processes and procedures. Procedure guides outline the major and minor tasks required to implement a program. Procedure guides support program implementation fidelity and ensure that all staff are following the same procedures when serving clients.
Employee Training Manuals
Implementing a program with fidelity is a key factor in program success. That means that all employees understand and implement the program the same way, using the same procedures and with the same understanding. Creating employee training materials that pair with procedure guides will help to build employee capacity to run your programs efficiently and effectively.
Decision Trees
A decision tree is a flow chart that systematically examines and outlines the possible response options and steps a staff member can take to accomplish a specific outcome. In this case, decision trees are specific to how clients or program participants enter, move through, and exit programs. A decision tree is a helpful aid to deciding when to take action and what action to take.
Theory of Change
What is a theory of change and why is it important? A theory of change is a description and illustration of how and why a program works. It can be thought of as a causal model that shows how activities and necessary preconditions lead to the expected outcomes of a program. A theory of change can help identify important decision points in a program as well as gaps in data collection processes.
Logic Models
What is a logic model and why is it important? A logic model is a description of the logical progression of your program. It describes how your program works. It includes the resources you need to run your program, the activities or services included in your program, the ways in which you will implement your program, and the outcomes you expect your participants to achieve as a result of your program. A logic model helps to identify gaps in logic between what you put into a program and what you expect as a result. It also helps ensure that all stakeholders are sharing the same understanding of a program leading to more efficient and effective practices.
