This figure illustrates the differences existing between the short-cycle logic of theories of changeâ€â€that is, the differences between the levels of a results chain or logic model and the long-cycle logic of results chainsâ€â€from activities to ultimate outcomes, in logic models. In the centre of the figure, there are a set of five boxes arranged vertically, representing the results chain. The boxes represent the elements normally found in a results chain or logic model and are labelled, from bottom to top, activities, outputs, immediate outcomes, intermediate outcomes and ultimate outcomes. The boxes are connected with arrows that point upward, from the lower boxes to those above them, representing the movement in the results chainâ€â€from activities, to outputs, to immediate outcomes, to intermediate outcomes, to ultimate outcomes.
On the right-hand side of the results chain, there is a large oval loop, which starts at the bottom box, which is labelled "activities," and ends at the top box, which is labelled "ultimate outcomes." The loop consists of two lines, each ending in an arrow, and represents a "feedback" process. The loop is labelled "long-cycle logic," also referred to as program logic.
On the left-hand side of the figure, there are four smaller loops arranged vertically and consisting of two curved lines, each ending in an arrow. The loops represent feedback and are situated so that each aligns with the spaces between the five boxes in the results chain. The loops are labelled, "short-cycle logic," also referred to as the theory of change.