The model begins with a needs assessment that leads to a problem statement. Objectives are developed that drive Extension programs expressly designed to solve the identified problem. Programmatic success or failure is measured against these objectives. The defined problems can be solved by people with appropriate expertise. This assumption underlies rationale for using the research and subject-matter expertise of the land grant university to support Extension efforts.
Experts bring their acumen to bear on society's problems.
Problems are broken down into disciplines and then attacked by specialists who become professional technological fixers. Problems and objectives are put into operational or quantitative terms and solutions are modeled to achieve optimal performance. To be rational and measurable, problems and objectives are assigned numerical indicators so progress can be monitored. Resolution of these problems comes in the form of an educational intervention, based on previously defined models of implementation. Improvements come from the implementation of solutions.