Measuring the impact of a Web-based data query system: the logic model as a tool in the evaluation process

A review of program evaluation perspectives, including the concept of a logic model and its applicability to the evaluation of Web-based data query systems (WDQSs), is presented. A logic model is used to flesh out evaluation components of a WDQS, including inputs, constraints, program activities, program outputs, and outcomes. For each component, a list of potential items is presented for inclusion in the model, along with examples of initial, intermediate, and ultimate outcomes for a WDQS. Program evaluation is a process that is important to conduct both early in WDQS development to promote clarity of its vision and objectives and throughout the course of the WDQS implementation and maintenance to ensure that its objectives are being met. Should the WDQS not be producing desirable results, the logic model provides a road map for understanding which activities are not meeting the WDQS's objectives so that the course of WDQS development, implementation, and maintenance may be altered to improve the probability of reaching desirable outcomes.