Course Details

Theory of Change & Logical Frameworks Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for developing and utilizing Theory of Change (ToC) and Logical Frameworks (LogFrames) as powerful tools for project design, implementation, and evaluation. Recognizing that clear causal pathways and a shared understanding of desired impacts are fundamental to effective development and social interventions, this program equips participants with a systematic approach to articulating assumptions, identifying outcomes, and measuring progress. Participants will gain deep insights into conceptualizing interventions, building robust frameworks, and enhancing accountability, all crucial for maximizing impact and demonstrating results. This course is ideal for project managers, M&E specialists, program designers, NGO practitioners, and anyone involved in designing and assessing social or development initiatives.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects and programs across various sectors, including:

• Project and Program Managers.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists.
• Program Designers and Development Practitioners.
• NGO and Civil Society Organization (CSO) staff.
• Funders and Grant Managers.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of Theory of Change and Logical Frameworks.
• Develop a robust Theory of Change for a specific project or program.
• Construct a comprehensive Logical Framework, including objectives, activities, and indicators.
• Identify and articulate key assumptions and risks within project designs.
• Utilize ToC and LogFrames as effective tools for planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

MODULES

Module 1: Introduction to Project Design and Impact

• Define the core concepts of project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Discuss the importance of clear objectives and intended outcomes in interventions.
• Explore the challenges of attributing impact in complex social and development programs.
• Understand the role of logical models in enhancing program effectiveness.
• Examine the limitations of traditional project planning approaches.

Module 2: Foundations of Theory of Change (ToC)

• Understand the concept of Theory of Change as an articulated pathway of change.
• Discuss the purpose and benefits of developing a Theory of Change.
• Explore the key components of a Theory of Change (e.g., long-term outcomes, intermediate outcomes, activities, assumptions).
• Differentiate Theory of Change from other planning tools.
• Learn about the iterative and participatory nature of ToC development.

Module 3: Developing a Theory of Change

• Apply practical steps to facilitate a Theory of Change workshop or process.
• Identify desired long-term impact and work backward to immediate activities.
• Articulate causal linkages between activities, outputs, and outcomes.
• Understand how to surface and test underlying assumptions and external factors.
• Practice mapping a Theory of Change using various visual tools and templates.

Module 4: Introduction to Logical Frameworks (LogFrames)

• Define the Logical Framework Approach (LFA) and its historical context.
• Understand the purpose and structure of a standard Logical Framework Matrix.
• Discuss the relationship between a LogFrame and a Theory of Change.
• Explore the four levels of objectives in a LogFrame (goal, purpose, outputs, activities).
• Examine the benefits of using a LogFrame for project planning and communication.

Module 5: Constructing the Logical Framework Matrix

• Learn to articulate a clear project goal and purpose.
• Develop measurable outputs and corresponding activities.
• Understand the concept of objectively verifiable indicators (OVIs) for each objective level.
• Discuss means of verification (MoV) to specify data sources and collection methods.
• Practice populating a LogFrame matrix with relevant information.

Module 6: Assumptions and Risks in LogFrames and ToC

• Understand the critical role of assumptions in both Theory of Change and LogFrames.
• Identify key assumptions at different levels of the causal chain.
• Discuss how to assess and mitigate risks that could prevent desired outcomes.
• Explore the impact of unstated or invalid assumptions on project success.
• Learn to articulate assumptions clearly within the LogFrame matrix.

Module 7: Using ToC and LogFrames for Monitoring and Evaluation

• Understand how ToC and LogFrames serve as frameworks for M&E systems.
• Discuss how indicators in the LogFrame guide data collection for progress monitoring.
• Explore how ToC helps in understanding why and how change occurs for evaluation purposes.
• Examine how to track assumptions and risks during project implementation.
• Learn about adapting ToC and LogFrames based on monitoring data and learning.

Module 8: Advanced Applications and Common Challenges

• Discuss the application of ToC and LogFrames in complex adaptive environments.
• Explore how to integrate ToC and LogFrames with other project management tools.
• Examine common challenges in developing and using these frameworks (e.g., oversimplification, rigidity).
• Learn strategies for facilitating participatory development of ToC and LogFrames.
• Understand how these tools support organizational learning and accountability to stakeholders.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com