valter-odi_2015_toc_time_for_a_radical_approach_to_learning_in_development

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<p>This paper, drawing on recent research and a workshop held at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in April 2015, outlines the growing and diverse ways in which Theory of Change approaches are understood. The author argues that a Theory of Change approach demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice.</p>
<p>The paper takes the key findings of recent research (Valters, 2014) a step further, by outlining and justifying four key principles when using a Theory of Change approach, tied into a deeper analysis of the development sector. It highlights throughout examples of the organisational use of Theories of Change, each of which attempts to go some way towards addressing the criticisms of the approach to date (James, 2011; Stein and Valters, 2012; Valters, 2014; Vogel, 2012). It also analyses possibilities for taking these principles forward in light of the ‘results agenda’.</p>
<p>The Theory of Change approach, with its focus on continuous critical reflection, demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice. No new tool or approach can in itself address problems of institutional incentives in the sector that block such learning. However, a Theory of Change approach may be able to create a productive (albeit small) space for critical reflection – in this industry a challenging and much-needed aim.</p>
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<h2>Useful Links</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.odi.org/comment/9882-four-principles-theories-change-global-development" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blogged summary by Craig Valters</a></p>
<p><a href="http://oxfamblogs.org/fp2p/what-are-the-key-principles-behind-a-decent-theory-of-change-approach-top-new-odi-paper/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blogged review by Duncan Green &#8211; from poverty to power</a></p>
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<p>This paper argues that a Theory of Change approach demands a radical shift towards more and better learning in development thinking and practice. It draws on the research and workshop held at the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in April 2015. </p>


Theories of Change: Time for a radical approach to learning in development

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<p>To better understand how interventions can make a difference, for whom and under what circumstances, it is paramount that we develop useful and realistic abstractions (“theories”) of intervention realities. In this blog, Jos Vaessen focuses on a lack of consensus on what program theory is about. Differences in terminology, a lack of clarity on the sources of theory, and a lack of understanding of (good) theory specification all contribute to this lack of consensus.</p>
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<p>In this blog Jos Vaessen examines what makes a good (program) theory and distinguishes between three levels: simple successionist causation, successionist causation with warrants, and causation with warrants and causal assumptions.</p>


What is (good) program theory in international development?

working-with-tocs7-aug2016

Working with ToCs7 Aug2016

<p>Mayne builds upon the behaviour-based Theory of Change he introduced earlier. This article discusses a variety of concepts, approaches and tools for working with these ToCs.</p>
<p>The article presents and discusses several different levels of detail for representing a ToC, including a new pathway-level ToC model. Each has different strengths and weaknesses, and serves different purposes. For the ToC models that are more detailed, the article then discusses the characteristics of and criteria for robust ToCs. This is followed by a discussion of Theory of Change Analysis, a new analysis tool that can be used to strengthen ToCs as well as the intervention designs they represent.</p>


<p>This working paper discusses a variety of concepts, approaches and tools for working with behaviour-based ToCs. It presents and discusses several different levels of detail for representing a ToC, including a new pathway-level ToC model.</p>


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