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In Module 4, you learned about formulating a Theory of Change and how to implement it.
In a discussion post, please fill in the blank below.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is _________.
After responding, please reply to the question of at least one other learner to help them deepen their understanding of formulating and implementing a Theory of Change!
What about if there is no more link between our steps and our work is on going well?
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
It is highly unlikely
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how detailed should all the activities be in the Implementation part ? Do we have to put down the main activity will all subsequent steps leading to the implementation of that activity ?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how detailed should all the activities be in the Implementation part ? Do we have to put down the main activity will all subsequent steps leading to the implementation of that activity ?
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 4: Discussion:
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
@kazeemopeyemimusa can you give some examples of what you mean ?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how detailed should all the activities be in the Implementation part ? Do we have to put down the main activity will all subsequent steps leading to the implementation of that activity ?
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 4: Discussion:
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
@kazeemopeyemimusa can you give some examples of what you mean ?
System thinking is underrated in some NGOs and should be utmost attention
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is Impact
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is Impact
I think it is all about flowing with the framework.
I totally agree with your submission
Theory of change is important, but before you implementing it you can do premortem.
Why so. What is the way forward?
If there is no linkage, you lost.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is incorporating system thinking into theory of Change.
I think activities should be quite detailed to create a clear goal on how ultimate outcome will be achieved by carrying out these activities.
where assumptions fit in, since they were not included in the theory of change used in this module?
this is very tricky. this may need to be investigated because it may become difficult to attribute change in beneficiaries, because the theory of change is the basis for any kind of evaluations of a project...
that was my question too
i was amazed that we have a key area as powerful as systems theory. any solution must solve a problem and it remains solvable with l;leading to other problems. powerful...
a premortem is essential fr improving on your assumptions in the theory of change...
exactly. where can we link it in. and when must it be discussed in a project?
I agree with you.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is where can I get more info to know more about this?
I dont think we need to be this detail at this stage, because some activities may change during the course
One question I still have for the theory of change and implementation plan is that what if our Ultimate goal is not achievable even after the pre-mortem strategy and implementation plan. Do we need to re-think the outcome ?
@Ducaysane38 said in Module 4: Discussion:
What about if there is no more link between our steps and our work is on going well?
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 4: Discussion:
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 4: Discussion:
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 4: Discussion:
Why are the bottlenecks to the links from the activities on towards the ultimate outcome not put into consideration. In real world, the implementation does not really go smoothly expected
@Eva-Henrich said in Module 4: Discussion:
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how detailed should all the activities be in the Implementation part ? Do we have to put down the main activity will all subsequent steps leading to the implementation of that activity ?
@Nulia said in Module 4: Discussion:
System thinking is underrated in some NGOs and should be utmost attention
@Nulia said in Module 4: Discussion:
System thinking is underrated in some NGOs and should be utmost attention
@Nulia said in Module 4: Discussion:
System thinking is underrated in some NGOs and should be utmost attention
@Lawalibukunoluwa said in Module 4: Discussion:
I think activities should be quite detailed to create a clear goal on how ultimate outcome will be achieved by carrying out these activities.
That's right, more detailed the activities, the more pitfalls can be identified and worked upon, which can thereby help achieving a nearly successful implementation plan.
You can still create a scenario as if something is not working well to better maximize your outcome
Defining the organization activities leading to the ultimate outcome
I think in such a situation we should rethink the activities we undertake to achieve the ultimate outcome
The theory of change defined what path the organization should follow to achieve the ultimate outcome
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how can a project determine that it was on its activities that lead to achieving its ultimate outcome, especially when there are different interventions that somehow affect the same beneficiaries either directly or indirectly?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how to differentiate intermediate outcomes from our ultimate outcome. Is one more practical or micro-focused and the other more macro / impact based?
What happens if when you have completed your Theory of Change, you realize that your perception of your ultimate outcome has changed?
what is qualitative and quantitative evidence is not easily available. Sometimes, you have to run through a program and generate results in order to obtain stats.
Good question.
That is very true in real life situation.
I totally agree but they should also be specific to one task at a time to avoid overlapping during scheduling and designing implementation of the project activities.
I would like to understand how much detail should be added to activities and outcomes.
That is a good question - how do we consider assumptions?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is nothing specific at this time. I do wonder what type of processes organizations who do not create a Theory of Change follow as they plan their services.
Coral, I believe that every realistic activity that would link to engaging your stakeholders and helping them achieve the intermediate outcomes should be listed.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is whether I need two theory of changes for the two clear organisational streams.
I have the same questions.
I have the same question. I am not sure it is entirely clear.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how to identify risks and assumptions
Very good question
The change theory is always good to start from the ultimate outcome and you move backward to realistic activities/output that will achieve the ultimate outcome and not vise versa
Very good question
The change theory is always good to start from the ultimate outcome and you move backward to realistic activities/output that will achieve the ultimate outcome and not vise versa
I think, it should be coz in log frame, we need to mentioned all in detail in order to develop casual link, as one activity completion lead towards the accomplishment of other, finally up to ultimate outcomes,
One question, although, it is discussed in detail the premortem, but assumptions have no place in theory of change matrix,
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how it would apply to a Foundation that distributes grants to a sole beneficiary.
With my limited knowledge of ToC, I would say yes two would be needed especially if there is no correlation between the activities and outcomes between the organizational streams.
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is, is there really a time that the Theory of change will stop evolving?
Or does it keep changing as long as there is feedback and evaluation process?
I think it'll still apply just as explained.
Regardless of what they're doing, there will definitely be an ultimate goal and in such a case, it's just still bound to follow the due process
what is qualitative and quantitative evidence is not easily available. Sometimes, you have to run through a program and generate results in order to obtain stats.
How is it to quantify the relationship between 2 variable? To what extent can you attribute the influence of one variable to the the other?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is, does one have to reference some of the facts mentioned in there?
@DiamondLadepe said in Module 4: Discussion:
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is, is there really a time that the Theory of change will stop evolving?
Or does it keep changing as long as there is feedback and evaluation process?
@DiamondLadepe said in Module 4: Discussion:
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is, is there really a time that the Theory of change will stop evolving?
Or does it keep changing as long as there is feedback and evaluation process?
I really think some elements in the theory of change can get adjusted. I want to imagine, for instance where you find a bottleneck to some activity and may be intermediate outcome cannot be achieved. An alternative may need to be navigated.
I would then go back and ask myself the "why" questions again. Take a deeper look at your beneficiaries needs.
I would then go back and ask myself the "why" questions again. Take a deeper look at your beneficiaries needs.
change your ultimate outcome. Your outcome will change and evolve the more you plan it out on paper and even after you implement it.
I do not have questions about the theory of change or the implementation plan. Because of the program I am trying to start, I will need to address many problems with many solutions. I need the theory of change and implementation plan for each individual client and to successfully and continuously re-asses the different resources available for the clients.
It is true that implementation is not as smooth as a flow chart! Sometimes you have to adjust implementation based upon lessons learned, real life considerations, etc. I think the best bet is if you are doing something and see an improvement or the outcomes you desire, then look at what it is you are doing to get there.
@kazeemopeyemimusa said in Module 3: Discussion:
Identifying the causes of problems before beginning to solve them is so important for us because it will enable the organisation to know the root causes of the problems to be solved. This will provide us with the neccessary information to be used provide effective solutions to the problem and make informed decisions.
However, it will provide an informed approach and alternative approaches to solving the problem
I completely agree with this response---roots of a problem is important to know which direction to take your "solving" in.
If the work is "going well" ----what does that mean? Revisit what you are doing and look at your goals. Are your goals being met? IS problem being solved?
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is if a Theory of Change process/document should replace, preceed or be part of a Strategic Planning process/document working from the mission and identifying and organization's/project's vision, objectives and related actions? Basically, how does the Theory of Change fit with wider nonprofit strategic planning?
I agree that a Theory of Change will have to change over time, whether you are successful in delivering outcomes or face unexpected or insurmountable problems. Society and life is never static so organizations need to keep focused yet also be prepared to adapt or pivot to wherever the need and potential to make change is greatest, no?
After completely Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how to go from the starkness of the worksheets, to developing a Theory of Change that can be placed in front of potential donors and key stakeholders. It feels very surface level and more an organisational strategy than a Theory of Change.
perhaps this is the rationale for the Pre-mortem exercise?
I would think that your pre-determined measurements of success would give you the hard data to assess how well things are going. For me, if things are 'going well', I'd be looking at answering the questions, 'how well is it actually going? What can I do to support creating even stronger outcomes? While things are going well, what are areas that we can still improve upon to create an even stronger foundation for future success and/or growth?
How do we know if our programs are truly having the impact we desire?
dynamic to the situation
No question at moment. Enjoyed the module. And I have always wanted to learn how to create a theory of change. This module helped me achieve that goal. Now I can support my organization create a good theory of change.
@LatishaL said in Module 4: Discussion:
How do we know if our programs are truly having the impact we desire?
@LatishaL said in Module 4: Discussion:
How do we know if our programs are truly having the impact we desire?
It would be important for you to set up indicators for your outcomes. That way , you will be able to track your progress/ impact.
@LatishaL said in Module 4: Discussion:
How do we know if our programs are truly having the impact we desire?
@LatishaL said in Module 4: Discussion:
How do we know if our programs are truly having the impact we desire?
The target should be timely because this will help you have a good timeline on when you want to start and end.
It's important to ascertain all that might go wrong such that an organization prepares itself in advance to tackle if or when those things go wrong.
after completing module 4 one questions i still have that what if do't have sufficient fund and no one will ready to help us.
After completing module 4 I have one questions is what is after implementing and executed our plan but then the beneficiaries denies to get this after fully benefitted out of it.
i agree with you.
true!! i was also thinking about it.
the question i still have about formulation and implementation of a theory of change is that how then can i make a strong relationship between different stakeholders to make sure its a success.
i think there u improve on your monitoring and evaluation strategies and revisit your implementation strategy to ensure you hit your ultimate goal.
Theory of change is a flexible methodology with a wide range of uses to underpin planning and evaluation throughout an organization.
I have the same question.
Undertaking this course has further equipped me to tackle some difficulties we are being faced in my organization.
Mainstreaming the premortem concept enables you to set priorities, see your problems from a solution perspective. It is working.
Mainstreaming the premortem concept enables you to set priorities, see your problems from a solution perspective. It is working.
I agree with you
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is how many times could i go and modify it?
the most challenging part is to make it special for eachfunder, it isimportant to investigate
The impact is the main goal or the ultimate goal that your project wants to achieve, e.g reducing unemployment in a certain area.
I guess the question I still have is , am I ready?
I believe you can keep iterating, and learning; you can never go wrong. I have done a lot of learnings and still find it useful even 3 years later. I am even going to take a course on human centered design
C'est un module très instructif. On a tendance à faire des hypothèses quand aux besoins des bénéficiaires des programmes communautaires, mais cette session vient nous ramener à l'ordre.
Some problems seem to be having more than one ultimate outcome, can that be possible?
for what?
Is the change in behaviour of the beneficiaries of our project the result of the implementation of the theory of change alone?
In the theory of change, where is the column to state the resources needed for the implementation of the theory of change
After completing Module 4, one question I still have about formulating and implementing a Theory of Change is, it is all about assumptions. My question is, how about if my input does not lead to outputs or outputs does not contribute in achieving the outcomes? what should I do?
Is it possible to change or review my theory of change at anytime, if I feel like my outputs does not contribute or have an impact to my outcomes?