Project and ContractTheory of Change and Results Framework Design
Programmes are designed around activities somebody already wanted to do, with a results chain reverse engineered afterwards to satisfy a funder, which is why so many deliver outputs and no change. This course covers designing from the intended change backwards. Delegates work through problem analysis and the causal chain behind a situation, articulating the change sought and the pathway to it, and the assumptions on which each step depends, which is where most theories of change fail. Converting a theory into a logical framework or results matrix is covered. Indicators, targets and risks follow. Testing a theory against evidence is addressed, including revising it. The course closes on using the framework during implementation rather than filing it after approval.
Course objectives
- Analyse a problem and map its causal chain
- Articulate the change sought and the pathway toward it
- Surface and test the assumptions each step depends on
- Convert a theory of change into a logical framework or results matrix
- Set indicators, targets and risk assumptions
- Test a theory against available evidence and revise it
- Use the framework during implementation rather than filing it
Who should attend
- Programme designers and proposal writers
- Monitoring and evaluation staff
- Non governmental organisation and donor programme staff
- Government policy and planning officers
- Consultants designing development interventions
Course outline
- 01Activities first, results chain afterwards
- 02Problem analysis and causal chains
- 03Articulating the change sought
- 04Pathways and intermediate outcomes
- 05Assumptions and where theories fail
- 06Converting to a logical framework
- 07Indicators, targets and risks
- 08Testing, revising and using the framework
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 to 27 November 2026 | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |
| 25 to 27 January 2027 | Pretoria, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 1 to 3 February 2027 | Kigali, Rwanda | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |
| 22 to 24 February 2027 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate | Register Now |