By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- Explain how visual mapping can be used to organize knowledge and structure for your capstone project.
- Compare and contrast Logic Models and Concept Maps
- Explain how Problem Tree and Root Cause analyses can help you better understand identified problems, issues, or needs and develop methods for addressing them.
- Utilize a SWOT analysis for strategic planning of the capstone process.
This chapter focuses on visual mapping tools that can help you plan and implement your capstone project. The purpose of Logic Models and Concept Mapping in relation to capstone projects are explained. Problem Tree and Root Cause analyses are described in the context of identifying and planning for capstone project development. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis, as a strategic planning model for capstone development, is also discussed.
Visual mapping, as a capstone planning tool, is an excellent way to organize knowledge that can help you to structure, address, and systematically approach your capstone topic. A Logic Model is a graphic depiction, or road map, that presents the shared relationships among resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes/impacts of your capstone project’s activities. The intended effect of a Logic Model is the “if-then” relationship among the project’s elements (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018). Concept mapping is a useful tool that can be used to define your theoretical framework and to visually display how it is applied to your literature review (Grant & Osanloo, 2016). Problem Tree analysis, also referred to as Situational analysis, can be used for project planning. Problem Tree analysis can help you find solutions to an identified problem, issue, or need by mapping out the anatomy of the cause and effect (Luma Institute, 2021). Root Cause analysis can be used to discover the root causes of a problem, issue, or need to identify appropriate solutions (Guavera, 2018). Finally, a SWOT Analysis is a dynamic planning model that can be used to plot out a future course for your capstone project by acting on strengths, while minimizing associated risks. It is important for students to develop knowledge and skills with visual mapping models and techniques in order to enhance their capstone project planning and development.
Logic Models provide a visual representation of an entire program in a flow chart format. Logic Models are a systematic and visual way to present and share your understanding of the relationships among the resources you have compiled to conduct your capstone project, the activities planned for implementation, and the anticipated changes or results from project/program implementation.
Components of a Logic Model
Logic models can focus on any level of a program: the entire organization, one of its component departments or programs, or just specific parts of a department or a program. Although logic models differ widely in format and level of detail, the following key terms should be considered in its development (Refer to Table 7.1: Key Terms Used in Logic Models)
Table 7.1: Key Terms Used in Logic Models
|Inputs and Processes
|Activities and Participation
Short-term impact focuses on the learning that occurs from the project/program
Medium-term impact focuses on actions that have resulted from the project/program
Long-term impact focuses on the conditions that have changed as a result of the program/project
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2018, December 12). Framework step 2 checklist. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 18, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/evaluation/steps/step2/index.htm; Doll, J. D. (2010). Program development and grant writing in Occupational therapy: Making the connection. Jones and Bartlett Publishers. (Refer to Appendix 7.A: Sample Logic Model: Community-Based Diabetes Prevention Program).
Concept mapping is a useful tool that can be used to define your theoretical framework and to visually display how it is applied to your