Program Evaluation and Theory of Change

Theory of Change

• A theory of change is a conceptual framework that outlines the relationships between program activities, outcomes, and desired long-term goals
• It explains how and why a program's interventions will lead to desired outcomes
• A good theory of change should be:
  • Clear and concise
  • Based on research and evidence
  • Realistic and achievable
  • Focused on the desired outcomes

Evaluation Methods

• Evaluation methods are used to assess the effectiveness of a program in achieving its desired outcomes
• Types of evaluation methods:
  • Formative evaluation: focuses on program development and improvement
  • Process evaluation: examines the implementation of a program
  • Outcome evaluation: assesses the effectiveness of a program in achieving its desired outcomes
  • Impact evaluation: examines the long-term effects of a program
• Evaluation methods should be:
  • Objective and unbiased
  • Based on clearly defined criteria and standards
  • Focused on the desired outcomes

Logic Model Components

• A logic model is a visual representation of a program's theory of change
• Components of a logic model:
  • Inputs: resources and investments in the program
  • Activities: specific actions and interventions
  • Outputs: direct products or results of the activities
  • Outcomes: short-term and long-term changes resulting from the program
  • Impact: long-term effects of the program
• A good logic model should:
  • Be clear and concise
  • Be based on the program's theory of change
  • Include all necessary components
  • Be realistic and achievable

Logic Model Applications

• Logic models can be used in various ways:
  • Program planning and development
  • Evaluation and assessment
  • Performance management and monitoring
  • Communication and reporting
  • Strategic planning and decision-making
• Logic models can be applied in various fields, including:
  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Social services
  • Business and entrepreneurship
  • Environmental conservation

Program Outcomes

• Program outcomes are the specific changes or results that a program is intended to achieve
• Types of program outcomes:
  • Short-term outcomes: immediate changes resulting from the program
  • Long-term outcomes: sustained changes resulting from the program
  • Intermediate outcomes: changes that occur between short-term and long-term outcomes
• Program outcomes should be:
  • Specific and measurable
  • Realistic and achievable
  • Focused on the desired goals and objectives
  • Based on the program's theory of change

Kellogg's Logic Model

• The Kellogg's logic model is a specific type of logic model developed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• It is a visual representation of a program's theory of change, outlining the relationships between program activities, outcomes, and desired long-term goals
• The Kellogg's logic model includes the following components:
  • Inputs
  • Activities
  • Outputs
  • Outcomes
  • Impact
• The Kellogg's logic model is widely used in program planning, evaluation, and performance management.

Theory of Change

• A conceptual framework outlining relationships between program activities, outcomes, and long-term goals
• Explains how and why program interventions lead to desired outcomes
• A good theory of change should be clear, concise, research-based, realistic, and focused on desired outcomes

Evaluation Methods

• Used to assess program effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes
• Types of evaluation methods: formative, process, outcome, and impact evaluation
• Evaluation methods should be objective, unbiased, based on clear criteria, and focused on desired outcomes

Logic Model Components

• A visual representation of a program's theory of change
• Components: inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact
• A good logic model should be clear, concise, based on the theory of change, include all necessary components, and be realistic and achievable

Logic Model Applications

• Used in program planning, evaluation, performance management, communication, and strategic planning
• Can be applied in various fields, including education, healthcare, social services, business, and environmental conservation

Program Outcomes

• Specific changes or results a program is intended to achieve
• Types: short-term, long-term, and intermediate outcomes
• Program outcomes should be specific, measurable, realistic, focused on desired goals, and based on the theory of change

Kellogg's Logic Model

• A specific type of logic model developed by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation
• A visual representation of a program's theory of change, outlining relationships between activities, outcomes, and long-term goals
• Includes components: inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact
• Widely used in program planning, evaluation, and performance management