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THEORY OF CHANGE COURSE
The Theory of Change is a useful planning framework which will offer you a clear direction for your organisation’s activities, more efficiency and clearer communication with stakeholders. Reap the benefits of a more involved community and deliver the change you want to see in the world around you.
WHAT IS THE THEORY OF CHANGE?
THEORY OF CHANGE DEFINITIONTheory of Change is “a framework (a useful tool) for creating, implementing and evaluating a planned change” – Tokan, B. (2021)
In other words, whether you are just starting a project/service (development) or at the end of a project life cycle (description) a Theory of Change is a valid tool to help you determine the impact you have made, the experience of your beneficiaries and improvements that can be made going forward.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
EXPECTED IMPACT OF THE THEORY OF CHANGEPlan of outcomes
Carefully plot your planned outcomes (what you want to see changed), by going through the process of asking the right questions as you build on your findings step by step.
Final output
Show how the activities or planned activities will result in the impact and outcomes your organisation wants to achieve.
Communication and planning tool
Useful resource for future conversations with employees, clients and external partners, as well as development.
WHO IS IT FOR?
ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE THEORY OF CHANGEThe concept is mostly associated with and used by charitable organisations.
However, the Theory of Change can be extremely useful to any enterprise that delivers services or projects to beneficiaries and desires to understand the impact it has on their lives.
Even individuals who want a clearer framework for thinking through their plans and actions should use the Theory of Change.
WHY IS IT NEEDED?
THE ROLE OF THE THEORY OF CHANGE IN ORGANISATIONSPROVIDES FOCUS
You will focus better on the group of people you are trying to reach and the problem you are trying to solve. The Theory of Change helps you to narrow your focus instead of trying to solve problems your organisation may be ill equipped to deal with. ………………………………………………………………………….
REDUCES WASTE AND IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
What is the waste we are referring to? Time and other business resources, such as money. As you journey through the Theory of Change process you will be able to identify areas of slack and inefficiency, which will enable you to reassign resources for more efficient usage. …………………………………………………
CREATES UNITY
The whole organisation becomes united in a clear mission, which is essential to the success of any organisation. The Theory of Change focuses the whole towards a common action plan that everyone contributes to – when all stakeholders are involved in planning, cooperation will be much easier in later stages of the action plan.
WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
WHO IS POSITIVELY IMPACTED BY THE THEORY OF CHANGEThe Theory of Change creates a win-win situation for everyone! By following the step-by-step process, each group will benefit:
BENEFICIARIES
Those you are delivering services to or otherwise who experience the changes you are creating are primary stakeholders. They have the unique opportunity to make their voices heard and their contributions acted upon, and they feel like they are part of the process.
ORGANISATION
The organisation benefits from receiving feedback that will provide impetus for development and change. They are able to improve their efficiency as well as identify new opportunities. ……………………………………………………………………..
STAFF
In addition to increased opportunities to contribute to the process, this stakeholder group gets a morale boost from the recognition and feedback given by beneficiaries. Such a connection empowers them to continue delivering their work with a greater level of zeal.
HOW DO I CREATE MY OWN THEORY OF CHANGE?
THEORY OF CHANGE COURSEWe will guide you to create your own Theory of Change by walking you through a step-by-step process:
1. Identify of the unique group you are serving or want to serve.
2. Set an end-in-mind goal – the change you want to see.
3. Understand the impact, outcomes, and activities necessary to deliver this change.
Along the way we will provide you with the questions that helps you uncover the answers to create your bespoke TOC.
THEORY OF CHANGE COURSE - LEARNING OUTCOMES
YOU LEARN EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR ORGANISATION'S SUCCESSImpact your organisation will have on the lives of the beneficiaries
Outcomes you can expect
Actions that propel you towards the expected outcomes
Number and shape of the activities delivered
Types of activities you should be delivering or stop delivering
How to better allocate your resources
How to collect relevant and useful data
WHAT THE THEORY OF CHANGE IS NOT!
THE PROCESS IS MORE VALUABLE THAN THE RESULTIt is NOT just a diagram.
Many individuals teach the Theory of Change from the perspective of creating a diagram. This paradigm encourages people/teams to race towards the creation of an image as the end result of the Theory of Change.
While a diagram can be useful at the end of the process, to illustrate the work you’ve done and decisions you’ve made, the Theory of Change is more about the process and the journey than the final decisions.
You can have a successful Theory of Change without a diagram, but not without a process!
ACTION Process
The School of Social Sustainability is here to help your social enterprise grow and become more successful.
In order to make the changes you hope to see in the world a reality, you need to become more business-minded and use tools that will improve your efficiency, communication and growth.
Work smart not hard. We are here to help you do just that.
Consultation
Contact us to book a free 15 minute consultation.
Participate in the Training Sessions
Join us on the Theory of Change course or a Masterclass for a more personalised, premium experience.
Create Your Theory of Change
Work together with us to apply the theoretical concepts to your social enterprise and build a Theory of Change.
Great Results
Enjoy a more efficient and successful business, with involved stakeholders and clear communication.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the Theory of Change and our services.
What is the Theory of Change?
The Theory of Change is “a framework (a useful tool) for creating, implementing and evaluating a planned change” – Tokan, B. (2021)
What are the benefits of the Theory of Change?
The Theory of Change creates a win-win situation for everyone:
- Beneficiaries have the opportunity to make their voices heard and shape your activities.
- The organisation benefits from useful stakeholder feedback, improved efficiency and newly identified opportunities.
What are the steps of creating a Theory of Change?
- Identify of the unique group you are serving or want to serve.
- Set an end-in-mind goal – the change you want to see.
- Understand the impact, outcomes, and activities necessary to deliver this change.
Is a Theory of Change a diagram?
NO. This paradigm encourages people/teams to race towards the creation of an image as the end result of the Theory of Change.
While a diagram can be useful at the end of the process, to illustrate the work you’ve done and decisions you’ve made, the Theory of Change is more about the process and the journey than the final decisions.
You can have a successful Theory of Change without a diagram, but not without a process!
Is creating a Theory of Change complicated?
Tere are details you need to be aware of, such as the question it needs to answer. However, with the right help it becomes an easy and enjoyable step-by-step process.
Join our Theory of Change course (or masterclass, for a more personalised experience) and create your Theory of Change in a few easy steps.
SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS
‘Just start’ – Do more than talk about it. Take actions and small steps, such as writing down your idea, attending a seminar, reading a book, and talking to somebody.