Alex De Waal
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- May 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780197266953
- eISBN:
- 9780191938191
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197266953.003.0017
- Subject:
- Political Science, Conflict Politics and Policy
This chapter draws upon the contributions to this volume and adds additional reflections on peacemaking in Sudan and South Sudan, to draw out some patterns and general conclusions. It frames the ...
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This chapter draws upon the contributions to this volume and adds additional reflections on peacemaking in Sudan and South Sudan, to draw out some patterns and general conclusions. It frames the analysis within the theories of change implicit in international and domestic Sudanese approaches to peacemaking. The principal argument is that peace processes should be seen as an extension of politics, characterized by strategic ambiguity, pursuing parallel tracks, and positioning for future opportunities that cannot be identified in advance. By contrast, international peacemakers’ theories of change are structured to achieve a singular unified settlement, or to pursue external interests. Sudanese/South Sudanese civic actors’ strategies go beyond ‘inclusion’ to agenda setting and generating coalitions for change. These differences are illustrated with reference to how the Comprehensive Peace Agreement managed its core issues (economy and security) and its marginal or excluded issues (Abyei, the ‘two areas’ and Darfur).Less
This chapter draws upon the contributions to this volume and adds additional reflections on peacemaking in Sudan and South Sudan, to draw out some patterns and general conclusions. It frames the analysis within the theories of change implicit in international and domestic Sudanese approaches to peacemaking. The principal argument is that peace processes should be seen as an extension of politics, characterized by strategic ambiguity, pursuing parallel tracks, and positioning for future opportunities that cannot be identified in advance. By contrast, international peacemakers’ theories of change are structured to achieve a singular unified settlement, or to pursue external interests. Sudanese/South Sudanese civic actors’ strategies go beyond ‘inclusion’ to agenda setting and generating coalitions for change. These differences are illustrated with reference to how the Comprehensive Peace Agreement managed its core issues (economy and security) and its marginal or excluded issues (Abyei, the ‘two areas’ and Darfur).
Megan Perigoe Stitt
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198184423
- eISBN:
- 9780191674242
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198184423.001.0001
- Subject:
- Literature, 19th-century and Victorian Literature
From the beginning of the 19th century, the emerging study of language shared with geology certain metaphors — co-existing but mutually incompatible — to describe theories of change. The Tower of ...
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From the beginning of the 19th century, the emerging study of language shared with geology certain metaphors — co-existing but mutually incompatible — to describe theories of change. The Tower of Babel, Rise and Fall, Line and Branch were ideas that fed both disciplines; and linguistic study sometimes drew its imagery directly from geology, comparing varieties of language to fossils marking layers of development. At the same time, tension arose between the concept of language as a fixed sign and the wish to endorse it as a tool for change, an unpredictable maker of history. This book looks in detail at three authors — Walter Scott, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Charles Kingsley — whose handling of language, and in particular of dialect speech, demonstrates different angles of approach, and puts fiction into dialogue with science. Through textual analysis of the novels, and examination of contemporary scientific discourse, the book throws light on how different genres affected the century's use of metaphor and its often contradictory theories of progress.Less
From the beginning of the 19th century, the emerging study of language shared with geology certain metaphors — co-existing but mutually incompatible — to describe theories of change. The Tower of Babel, Rise and Fall, Line and Branch were ideas that fed both disciplines; and linguistic study sometimes drew its imagery directly from geology, comparing varieties of language to fossils marking layers of development. At the same time, tension arose between the concept of language as a fixed sign and the wish to endorse it as a tool for change, an unpredictable maker of history. This book looks in detail at three authors — Walter Scott, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Charles Kingsley — whose handling of language, and in particular of dialect speech, demonstrates different angles of approach, and puts fiction into dialogue with science. Through textual analysis of the novels, and examination of contemporary scientific discourse, the book throws light on how different genres affected the century's use of metaphor and its often contradictory theories of progress.
James A. Phills
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195171280
- eISBN:
- 9780199850327
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171280.003.0008
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter describes the challenge of strategic change, whether internally or externally driven. In particular, a meta-framework that identifies three specific types of knowledge necessary for ...
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This chapter describes the challenge of strategic change, whether internally or externally driven. In particular, a meta-framework that identifies three specific types of knowledge necessary for leading the process of intelligent strategic adaptation: a theory of organizational performance, a theory of change, and a theory of intervention, is reported. The basic types of skills and knowledge that leaders need if they are to be effective agents of strategic change are also examined. The Dashman Company is used as a case study that shows the three generic categories of skill and knowledge.Less
This chapter describes the challenge of strategic change, whether internally or externally driven. In particular, a meta-framework that identifies three specific types of knowledge necessary for leading the process of intelligent strategic adaptation: a theory of organizational performance, a theory of change, and a theory of intervention, is reported. The basic types of skills and knowledge that leaders need if they are to be effective agents of strategic change are also examined. The Dashman Company is used as a case study that shows the three generic categories of skill and knowledge.
Mary E. Evans and Mary I. Armstrong
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195134575
- eISBN:
- 9780199864065
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195134575.003.0003
- Subject:
- Social Work, Health and Mental Health, Communities and Organizations
This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of case management. It then discusses the core functions of case management, the process of case management, its history and ...
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This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of case management. It then discusses the core functions of case management, the process of case management, its history and development, the theory of change in case management, and the establishment and maintenance of a case management program. An example of a case management intervention is presented.Less
This chapter begins with a brief discussion of the definitions of case management. It then discusses the core functions of case management, the process of case management, its history and development, the theory of change in case management, and the establishment and maintenance of a case management program. An example of a case management intervention is presented.
Peter Frumkin (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226266268
- eISBN:
- 9780226266282
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226266282.003.0007
- Subject:
- Sociology, Economic Sociology
This chapter discusses the role of the theories of change, leverage, and scale in helping donors improve philanthropic effectiveness. It explains that there are strong connections linking these ...
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This chapter discusses the role of the theories of change, leverage, and scale in helping donors improve philanthropic effectiveness. It explains that there are strong connections linking these theories to one another and all three pieces actually fit together into what is known as a logic model. This chapter presents a diagram of the elements of a logic model and explains how to construct a logic model. It also clarifies that the construction of logic models is not a substitute for the inner exploration and search for fundamental commitments that lie at the core of strategic giving.Less
This chapter discusses the role of the theories of change, leverage, and scale in helping donors improve philanthropic effectiveness. It explains that there are strong connections linking these theories to one another and all three pieces actually fit together into what is known as a logic model. This chapter presents a diagram of the elements of a logic model and explains how to construct a logic model. It also clarifies that the construction of logic models is not a substitute for the inner exploration and search for fundamental commitments that lie at the core of strategic giving.
Stephanie M. Jones, Joshua L. Brown, and J. Lawrence Aber
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195327892
- eISBN:
- 9780199301478
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195327892.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Clinical Child Psychology / School Psychology
This chapter focuses on the classroom context as a primary setting for positive youth development. It highlights the theory and evaluations of two programs that aim to promote caring classroom ...
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This chapter focuses on the classroom context as a primary setting for positive youth development. It highlights the theory and evaluations of two programs that aim to promote caring classroom communities and positive youth development through a focus on teachers' professional development and the implementation of a social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. It begins with a discussion of the programs' theory of change, which emphasizes the role of teachers' own SEL skills and everyday interactions with colleagues and students in promoting a positive and effective classroom climate and, ultimately, positive youth development. This discussion is followed by a description of a theory of the classroom setting as a dynamic system of four interconnected elements related to positive youth development. Each of these domains is reviewed including its research base, examples of intervention activities, and assessment tools used in the research.Less
This chapter focuses on the classroom context as a primary setting for positive youth development. It highlights the theory and evaluations of two programs that aim to promote caring classroom communities and positive youth development through a focus on teachers' professional development and the implementation of a social and emotional learning (SEL) curriculum. It begins with a discussion of the programs' theory of change, which emphasizes the role of teachers' own SEL skills and everyday interactions with colleagues and students in promoting a positive and effective classroom climate and, ultimately, positive youth development. This discussion is followed by a description of a theory of the classroom setting as a dynamic system of four interconnected elements related to positive youth development. Each of these domains is reviewed including its research base, examples of intervention activities, and assessment tools used in the research.
James A. Phills
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195171280
- eISBN:
- 9780199850327
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171280.003.0005
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Strategy
This chapter explores the execution of strategy and the role of logic as key elements in the execution of the mission. The mission and the parallel logic of “causal models” or “theories of change” ...
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This chapter explores the execution of strategy and the role of logic as key elements in the execution of the mission. The mission and the parallel logic of “causal models” or “theories of change” and the role they play in the execution of the mission are explained. It also shows how the choices associated with the execution of strategy and the choices associated with the execution of mission are related to one another. The logic of strategy and logic of mission are distinct, but they are also interdependent. Even though they perform different functions and are designed to produce different outcomes (i.e., economic versus social, environmental, or artistic value), each constrains and influences the other. Concrete examples of the choices involved in execution are given as well. Moreover, the elements of execution, namely the policies that employees will follow during the course of their work, and activities that they are directed to undertake and resource allocation are described.Less
This chapter explores the execution of strategy and the role of logic as key elements in the execution of the mission. The mission and the parallel logic of “causal models” or “theories of change” and the role they play in the execution of the mission are explained. It also shows how the choices associated with the execution of strategy and the choices associated with the execution of mission are related to one another. The logic of strategy and logic of mission are distinct, but they are also interdependent. Even though they perform different functions and are designed to produce different outcomes (i.e., economic versus social, environmental, or artistic value), each constrains and influences the other. Concrete examples of the choices involved in execution are given as well. Moreover, the elements of execution, namely the policies that employees will follow during the course of their work, and activities that they are directed to undertake and resource allocation are described.
Leslie Hollingsworth and Larry M. Gant
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- July 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190463311
- eISBN:
- 9780190463342
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190463311.003.0005
- Subject:
- Social Work, Communities and Organizations
Abstract: This chapter describes how the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Technical Assistance Center (UMSSW/TAC) developed its theory of change as a partner in the Skillman ...
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Abstract: This chapter describes how the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Technical Assistance Center (UMSSW/TAC) developed its theory of change as a partner in the Skillman Foundation-funded Detroit Good Neighborhoods initiative. The definition of a theory of change accepted was of “a specification of what must be done to achieve the desired goals, what other important impacts may also be anticipated, and how these goals and impacts would be generated.” The chapter discusses the processes in the creation of iterations of Foundation and UMSSW/TAC theories of change. The chapter concludes with the benefits, limitations, issues, and challenges of aligning logic models with the varied expectations and goals of residents, funding foundations, and university partners.Less
Abstract: This chapter describes how the University of Michigan School of Social Work’s Technical Assistance Center (UMSSW/TAC) developed its theory of change as a partner in the Skillman Foundation-funded Detroit Good Neighborhoods initiative. The definition of a theory of change accepted was of “a specification of what must be done to achieve the desired goals, what other important impacts may also be anticipated, and how these goals and impacts would be generated.” The chapter discusses the processes in the creation of iterations of Foundation and UMSSW/TAC theories of change. The chapter concludes with the benefits, limitations, issues, and challenges of aligning logic models with the varied expectations and goals of residents, funding foundations, and university partners.
Seerp Wigboldus, Laurens Klerkx, and Cees Leeuwis
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- August 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780190949501
- eISBN:
- 9780197528907
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190949501.003.0025
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Scaling generalizable solutions delivered through science, technology, and innovation has become a dominant paradigm for achieving the sustainable development goals. In many cases, organizations ...
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Scaling generalizable solutions delivered through science, technology, and innovation has become a dominant paradigm for achieving the sustainable development goals. In many cases, organizations articulate theories of change that are intended to support the strategic design and guidance of agricultural research and innovation to contribute to impact at scale. How scaling beyond the immediate research and innovation context is expected to happen, however, is often poorly elaborated in theories of change. The question of how scaling could happen—that is, a theory of scaling—tends to remain a black box of unarticulated assumptions. Similarly, policymakers often lack a governance sense-making framework to consider the appropriateness of a multitude of scaling initiatives in light of societal goals. Recent studies have drawn attention to the fact that scaling processes involve greater complexity than is generally taken into account. This chapter addresses this situation by unpacking what is in that black box and translating this into a guidance framework along the lines of a theory of scaling as a dedicated component of a wider theory of change. The objective is to support researchers, management decision-makers, and policymakers in engaging more effectively and responsibly with scaling initiatives.Less
Scaling generalizable solutions delivered through science, technology, and innovation has become a dominant paradigm for achieving the sustainable development goals. In many cases, organizations articulate theories of change that are intended to support the strategic design and guidance of agricultural research and innovation to contribute to impact at scale. How scaling beyond the immediate research and innovation context is expected to happen, however, is often poorly elaborated in theories of change. The question of how scaling could happen—that is, a theory of scaling—tends to remain a black box of unarticulated assumptions. Similarly, policymakers often lack a governance sense-making framework to consider the appropriateness of a multitude of scaling initiatives in light of societal goals. Recent studies have drawn attention to the fact that scaling processes involve greater complexity than is generally taken into account. This chapter addresses this situation by unpacking what is in that black box and translating this into a guidance framework along the lines of a theory of scaling as a dedicated component of a wider theory of change. The objective is to support researchers, management decision-makers, and policymakers in engaging more effectively and responsibly with scaling initiatives.
Helen Sullivan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426956
- eISBN:
- 9781447303084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426956.003.0003
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter addresses the evaluation of social cohesion. It first determines some key evaluation challenges posed by the proposed definition of social cohesion. The chapter then situates these ...
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This chapter addresses the evaluation of social cohesion. It first determines some key evaluation challenges posed by the proposed definition of social cohesion. The chapter then situates these challenges in ongoing debates about the merits of different approaches to evaluation and highlights the potential contribution of recent developments in ‘theory-based evaluation’. Drawing on theory of change (ToC), it explores how these challenges may be met and the implications for evaluators. Three important debates have dominated evaluation research and practice. They concern the approach to evaluation, the methods used in evaluation, and the relationship between the evaluator and those being evaluated. The application of a ToC approach to the evaluation of social cohesion is also considered. There is an important relationship between evaluator and ‘subject’ in ToCs. Under New Labour, evaluation's profile was raised and it was acknowledged as a key element in the government's focus on ‘evidence-based policy making’.Less
This chapter addresses the evaluation of social cohesion. It first determines some key evaluation challenges posed by the proposed definition of social cohesion. The chapter then situates these challenges in ongoing debates about the merits of different approaches to evaluation and highlights the potential contribution of recent developments in ‘theory-based evaluation’. Drawing on theory of change (ToC), it explores how these challenges may be met and the implications for evaluators. Three important debates have dominated evaluation research and practice. They concern the approach to evaluation, the methods used in evaluation, and the relationship between the evaluator and those being evaluated. The application of a ToC approach to the evaluation of social cohesion is also considered. There is an important relationship between evaluator and ‘subject’ in ToCs. Under New Labour, evaluation's profile was raised and it was acknowledged as a key element in the government's focus on ‘evidence-based policy making’.
Ines Newman and Peter Ratcliffe
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- March 2012
- ISBN:
- 9781847426956
- eISBN:
- 9781447303084
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Policy Press
- DOI:
- 10.1332/policypress/9781847426956.003.0014
- Subject:
- Sociology, Urban and Rural Studies
This chapter aims to pull together the chapters of this book into a theory of change (ToC) that can provide a new basis for the evaluation of social cohesion. It also highlights the problems with ...
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This chapter aims to pull together the chapters of this book into a theory of change (ToC) that can provide a new basis for the evaluation of social cohesion. It also highlights the problems with implementing this new approach as a result of the financial crisis and change of government. The chapter then provides an optimistic note and identifies the levers that might help sustain a broader approach despite the difficulties. A brief preliminary assessment of the general policy terrain likely to be occupied by the new coalition government is presented. Stakeholders who are the subjects of evaluation have to be able to hold those with power to account. The Equality Act 2010 was a key achievement of the last government. Progress can be made on the new equalities duties at the local level, but it will depend on local leadership and local champions.Less
This chapter aims to pull together the chapters of this book into a theory of change (ToC) that can provide a new basis for the evaluation of social cohesion. It also highlights the problems with implementing this new approach as a result of the financial crisis and change of government. The chapter then provides an optimistic note and identifies the levers that might help sustain a broader approach despite the difficulties. A brief preliminary assessment of the general policy terrain likely to be occupied by the new coalition government is presented. Stakeholders who are the subjects of evaluation have to be able to hold those with power to account. The Equality Act 2010 was a key achievement of the last government. Progress can be made on the new equalities duties at the local level, but it will depend on local leadership and local champions.
Duncan Green
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- October 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198785392
- eISBN:
- 9780191833236
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198785392.003.0015
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, Public and Welfare
This chapter offers a theoretical sketch of the nature and dynamics of change as portrayed so far in this book. This is a methodology of sorts, which this chapter refers to as a ‘power and systems ...
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This chapter offers a theoretical sketch of the nature and dynamics of change as portrayed so far in this book. This is a methodology of sorts, which this chapter refers to as a ‘power and systems approach’ (PSA). The PSA is a theory of change, meant to locate a programme, project, or campaign within a wider analysis of how change comes about. There are two ways to use it: by looking backwards, in order to explore past stories of change; and by looking forward, by learning to ‘expect the unexpected’. The PSA suggests characteristics that activists should cultivate in order to flourish in complex systems, like curiosity, humility, self-awareness, and openness to a diversity of viewpoints. It encourages us to nurture a genuine curiosity about the complex interwoven elements that characterize the systems we are trying to influence, without abandoning our desire to take action.Less
This chapter offers a theoretical sketch of the nature and dynamics of change as portrayed so far in this book. This is a methodology of sorts, which this chapter refers to as a ‘power and systems approach’ (PSA). The PSA is a theory of change, meant to locate a programme, project, or campaign within a wider analysis of how change comes about. There are two ways to use it: by looking backwards, in order to explore past stories of change; and by looking forward, by learning to ‘expect the unexpected’. The PSA suggests characteristics that activists should cultivate in order to flourish in complex systems, like curiosity, humility, self-awareness, and openness to a diversity of viewpoints. It encourages us to nurture a genuine curiosity about the complex interwoven elements that characterize the systems we are trying to influence, without abandoning our desire to take action.
Ning Zhang, Li-Jun Ji, and Tieyuan Guo
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- January 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199348541
- eISBN:
- 9780190695705
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199348541.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
Lay theories of change refer to beliefs people hold about how events develop over time and are related to each other. This chapter reviews cultural differences in lay theories of change between East ...
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Lay theories of change refer to beliefs people hold about how events develop over time and are related to each other. This chapter reviews cultural differences in lay theories of change between East Asians and Euro-Americans/Canadians. The overarching theme from the existing research is that East Asians tend to believe more than Westerners that phenomena change in a cyclical way, whereas Westerners tend to believe that events are either relatively stable or develop in a linear fashion. This cultural variation is manifested in a wide range of predictions and decisions. Furthermore, Euro–North Americans are more likely than East Asians to hold linear beliefs about the correspondence between cause and effect in magnitude, and between appearance and reality (e.g., a strong appearance corresponds to a strong internal state). The chapter also discusses the cultural underpinnings of lay theories of change and directions for future research.Less
Lay theories of change refer to beliefs people hold about how events develop over time and are related to each other. This chapter reviews cultural differences in lay theories of change between East Asians and Euro-Americans/Canadians. The overarching theme from the existing research is that East Asians tend to believe more than Westerners that phenomena change in a cyclical way, whereas Westerners tend to believe that events are either relatively stable or develop in a linear fashion. This cultural variation is manifested in a wide range of predictions and decisions. Furthermore, Euro–North Americans are more likely than East Asians to hold linear beliefs about the correspondence between cause and effect in magnitude, and between appearance and reality (e.g., a strong appearance corresponds to a strong internal state). The chapter also discusses the cultural underpinnings of lay theories of change and directions for future research.
Duncan Green
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- October 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780198785392
- eISBN:
- 9780191833236
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198785392.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental, Public and Welfare
This introductory chapter recounts personal experiences as an individual ‘change agent’, which have shaped the making of this book. It laments the fact that many theories of change used by different ...
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This introductory chapter recounts personal experiences as an individual ‘change agent’, which have shaped the making of this book. It laments the fact that many theories of change used by different academic disciplines each operate with separate and often conflicting ideas, without any ‘department of change studies’ to sort it out. Hence the chapter lays down some preliminary insights that inform the rest of this book, by expanding the definition of ‘activists’ to include a variety of actors, programmes, and institutions involved in campaigns of change. In addition, the chapter also lays out the framework of study to be undertaken in the book, particularly by using Amartya Sen’s definition of development as the progressive expansion of the freedoms to be and to do. Finally, the chapter outlines in brief the three individual sections of this book.Less
This introductory chapter recounts personal experiences as an individual ‘change agent’, which have shaped the making of this book. It laments the fact that many theories of change used by different academic disciplines each operate with separate and often conflicting ideas, without any ‘department of change studies’ to sort it out. Hence the chapter lays down some preliminary insights that inform the rest of this book, by expanding the definition of ‘activists’ to include a variety of actors, programmes, and institutions involved in campaigns of change. In addition, the chapter also lays out the framework of study to be undertaken in the book, particularly by using Amartya Sen’s definition of development as the progressive expansion of the freedoms to be and to do. Finally, the chapter outlines in brief the three individual sections of this book.
Mary Kay Gugerty and Dean Karlan
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199366088
- eISBN:
- 9780199366118
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199366088.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Before beginning to monitor programs or evaluate their impact, organizations need to ensure that they have a sound theory of change to guide their work. A theory of change is a conceptual map of a ...
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Before beginning to monitor programs or evaluate their impact, organizations need to ensure that they have a sound theory of change to guide their work. A theory of change is a conceptual map of a program; this chapter explains how articulating a theory of change helps organizations decide what elements of their programs they should monitor and measure. The chapter outlines each step necessary for creating a theory of change, from defining the problem a program seeks to address to identifying possible unintended consequences of program implementation. It then illustrates the process of crafting a theory of change through the example of Nutrition for All, a hypothetical development organization dedicated to reducing child malnutrition.Less
Before beginning to monitor programs or evaluate their impact, organizations need to ensure that they have a sound theory of change to guide their work. A theory of change is a conceptual map of a program; this chapter explains how articulating a theory of change helps organizations decide what elements of their programs they should monitor and measure. The chapter outlines each step necessary for creating a theory of change, from defining the problem a program seeks to address to identifying possible unintended consequences of program implementation. It then illustrates the process of crafting a theory of change through the example of Nutrition for All, a hypothetical development organization dedicated to reducing child malnutrition.
Mary Kay Gugerty and Dean Karlan
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780199366088
- eISBN:
- 9780199366118
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780199366088.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
A theory of change can build consensus on a program’s vision and guide the development of a right-fit monitoring and evaluation system. This case examines how the Uganda-based youth empowerment NGO ...
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A theory of change can build consensus on a program’s vision and guide the development of a right-fit monitoring and evaluation system. This case examines how the Uganda-based youth empowerment NGO Educate! used the theory of change process to clearly define its intended impact and decide how to measure it. After analyzing the process Educate! used to develop its theory of change, readers will be able to discuss the value of gathering internal perspectives and conducting field research to develop a theory of change. Readers will also assess how successive iterations of the theory of change provide clarity on program design and objectives and determine whether the final theory of change is sufficient to design a monitoring and evaluation plan that adheres to CART principles.Less
A theory of change can build consensus on a program’s vision and guide the development of a right-fit monitoring and evaluation system. This case examines how the Uganda-based youth empowerment NGO Educate! used the theory of change process to clearly define its intended impact and decide how to measure it. After analyzing the process Educate! used to develop its theory of change, readers will be able to discuss the value of gathering internal perspectives and conducting field research to develop a theory of change. Readers will also assess how successive iterations of the theory of change provide clarity on program design and objectives and determine whether the final theory of change is sufficient to design a monitoring and evaluation plan that adheres to CART principles.
Peter Frumkin (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- February 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226266268
- eISBN:
- 9780226266282
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226266282.003.0010
- Subject:
- Sociology, Economic Sociology
This chapter discusses the importance of timing or time frames in developing coherent strategic giving. It explains that the timing of giving is inextricably connected to the value proposition, the ...
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This chapter discusses the importance of timing or time frames in developing coherent strategic giving. It explains that the timing of giving is inextricably connected to the value proposition, the vehicle through which giving will take place, the style of the donor, and the theory of change that is pursued. This chapter also discusses the idea of discounting, donors' definition of the time dimension in giving, and the cy pres doctrine.Less
This chapter discusses the importance of timing or time frames in developing coherent strategic giving. It explains that the timing of giving is inextricably connected to the value proposition, the vehicle through which giving will take place, the style of the donor, and the theory of change that is pursued. This chapter also discusses the idea of discounting, donors' definition of the time dimension in giving, and the cy pres doctrine.
Johnny S. Kim, Michael S. Kelly, and Cynthia Franklin
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- May 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190607258
- eISBN:
- 9780190607289
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190607258.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter provides an overview of the SFBT model and highlight the contributions made by SFBT pioneers Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer as well as other school-based SFBT practitioners and ...
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This chapter provides an overview of the SFBT model and highlight the contributions made by SFBT pioneers Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer as well as other school-based SFBT practitioners and scholars. It contrasts the techniques of SFBT with typical approaches used in schools, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to show how SFBT differs from other approaches that school social workers are already using. It also discusses the 2nd edition of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association Treatment Manual which provides more details about the specific SFBT techniques and ways to use solution-building questions in this therapy model approach. Lastly, it discusses the theory of change in SFBT and how it helps create behavioral change in students.Less
This chapter provides an overview of the SFBT model and highlight the contributions made by SFBT pioneers Insoo Kim Berg and Steve de Shazer as well as other school-based SFBT practitioners and scholars. It contrasts the techniques of SFBT with typical approaches used in schools, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to show how SFBT differs from other approaches that school social workers are already using. It also discusses the 2nd edition of the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association Treatment Manual which provides more details about the specific SFBT techniques and ways to use solution-building questions in this therapy model approach. Lastly, it discusses the theory of change in SFBT and how it helps create behavioral change in students.
Ben Cislaghi
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9781474419796
- eISBN:
- 9781474445139
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Edinburgh University Press
- DOI:
- 10.3366/edinburgh/9781474419796.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
The chapter looks at what can be learnt and done using the model of development analysed in the book. It also examines the theoretical and practical implications of an approach such as Tostan’s for ...
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The chapter looks at what can be learnt and done using the model of development analysed in the book. It also examines the theoretical and practical implications of an approach such as Tostan’s for indirect development. Most importantly, this chapter details a theory of change that emerged from the analysis in the other chapters (motivation – deliberation – action). In addition, the chapter looks at other programmes, including Abriendo Oportunidades in Guatemala, SASA! In East Africa, and VAMP in India. Their models, field methods, and results are explored and compared with Tostan’s. This comparative analysis offers to the reader solid evidence of the results that indirect development programmes can achieve in various contexts and through various approaches. Finally, the chapter offers to the reader a look into the future, and how advocates for a rapid shift in development practices, calling for implementing genuine people-centred approaches.Less
The chapter looks at what can be learnt and done using the model of development analysed in the book. It also examines the theoretical and practical implications of an approach such as Tostan’s for indirect development. Most importantly, this chapter details a theory of change that emerged from the analysis in the other chapters (motivation – deliberation – action). In addition, the chapter looks at other programmes, including Abriendo Oportunidades in Guatemala, SASA! In East Africa, and VAMP in India. Their models, field methods, and results are explored and compared with Tostan’s. This comparative analysis offers to the reader solid evidence of the results that indirect development programmes can achieve in various contexts and through various approaches. Finally, the chapter offers to the reader a look into the future, and how advocates for a rapid shift in development practices, calling for implementing genuine people-centred approaches.
R. Lee Lyman
- Published in print:
- 2021
- Published Online:
- June 2021
- ISBN:
- 9780198871156
- eISBN:
- 9780191914188
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198871156.003.0011
- Subject:
- Archaeology, Archaeological Methodology and Techniques, North American Archaeology
Graphs are analytical tools and communication tools, and they summarize visually what has been learned. Granting that a major purpose of archaeology is to document and explain culture change, it is ...
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Graphs are analytical tools and communication tools, and they summarize visually what has been learned. Granting that a major purpose of archaeology is to document and explain culture change, it is odd that the hows and whys of graphing culture change have received minimal attention in the archaeology literature. Spindle graphs will likely continue to be the most frequently used graph type for diagraming change, but continued development of computer software may result in new graph types and styles. Recent modifications to spindle graphs include scaling bar thickness to temporal duration of the represented assemblage. Classic data on temporal change in kaolin pipe stem hole diameters can be graphed using a regression line, a bar graph, and a spindle graph; the different graphs highlight that how phenomena are classified, how data are graphed, and one’s theory of change are mutually influential. Deciding which graph type to use in any particular situation will depend on what the researcher hopes to illustrate, along with the goal to produce a readily deciphered graph. The majority of archaeological graphs that appeared in the twentieth century depict variational evolution. Once developed in the late 1940s, spindle graphs quickly became the graph type preferred by North American archaeologists. There is weak circumstantial evidence archaeologists may have borrowed the idea of spindle graphs from paleontology, but it seems more likely the idea was stumbled upon by early archaeologists who perceived unimodal pulses in artifact frequencies over time and developed general models of those pulses.Less
Graphs are analytical tools and communication tools, and they summarize visually what has been learned. Granting that a major purpose of archaeology is to document and explain culture change, it is odd that the hows and whys of graphing culture change have received minimal attention in the archaeology literature. Spindle graphs will likely continue to be the most frequently used graph type for diagraming change, but continued development of computer software may result in new graph types and styles. Recent modifications to spindle graphs include scaling bar thickness to temporal duration of the represented assemblage. Classic data on temporal change in kaolin pipe stem hole diameters can be graphed using a regression line, a bar graph, and a spindle graph; the different graphs highlight that how phenomena are classified, how data are graphed, and one’s theory of change are mutually influential. Deciding which graph type to use in any particular situation will depend on what the researcher hopes to illustrate, along with the goal to produce a readily deciphered graph. The majority of archaeological graphs that appeared in the twentieth century depict variational evolution. Once developed in the late 1940s, spindle graphs quickly became the graph type preferred by North American archaeologists. There is weak circumstantial evidence archaeologists may have borrowed the idea of spindle graphs from paleontology, but it seems more likely the idea was stumbled upon by early archaeologists who perceived unimodal pulses in artifact frequencies over time and developed general models of those pulses.
