In any change leadership initiative, we often have an unstated or unconscious hypothesis about what needs to happen to make things better or different (i.e., a theory of change) about what needs to happen to make things different. As these theories are connected to our own hidden assumptions and biases about how the world works, they can be deeply personal, with each member of your team subscribing to a different theory of change. This can create significant challenges in achieving common or shared objectives.
Thus, it is essential to be able to work with your team or collaborators to articulate a shared theory of change, and to ensure you’re all aligned in your approach. Doing this work also checks the logic of your theory, testing whether the activities you pursue will realistically lead to the outcomes you expect to achieve.
For this assignment, you will work with another student in the course to develop a theory of change for a specific real or fictional climate project. Visit the Moodle Link for the Assignment to select your partner for this project.
Requirements:
Your theory of change should include the following:
- A description of the challenge you wish to address and change you want to produce.
- A list of key actors who will be part of your initiative.
- A graphic logic model that identifies your problem, activities, outputs, outcomes and impact.
- A narrative to accompany the graphic model that describes how your theory works.
- References for any supporting materials or ideas.
Deliverables:
- A 1000 word (maximum) submission with your theory of change.
- A list of supporting references (not included in your word count).
- The graphic logic model (not included in word count)
Assessment Criteria:
In this assignment, you are expected to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the value of a theory of change. (Learning outcome B) 20%
- Demonstrate a reflective understanding of the hidden assumptions, worldviews, and biases, and contextual factors that inform the theory of change. (Learning outcome A) 20%
- Demonstrates the ability to develop an effective theory of change. (Learning outcome B) 40%
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate and engage others in a theory of change. (Learning outcome D) 20%
Due date
July 16, 2023
Weight: 15%
Submit: Upload into Moodle Assignment 2: Theory of Change (Team)