Many government entities require the development of a program logic, (sometimes referred to as a theory of change or intervention logic)– an explanation of how the activities of a program, project, policy, network or event are expected to contribute to the achievement of particular outcomes. But, the full potential of program logic is often not utilised, as many people seem to think that the basic version they know is all there is.
Professor Patricia Rogers, co-author of the book Purposeful Program Theory, has spent more than 20 years working with public sector agencies to develop and use program logic.
She is excited by the range of options for effective use of program logic. “Developing a theory of change doesn’t have to only involve a group of people writing on sticky notes. It is often important to bring in information from research, previous evaluations, and the perspectives of those with lived experience of the program or the situation it is intended to address. And it is important to actually have a theory – an explanation of HOW you expect activities to contribute to the intended results.”
Professor Rogers will lead a master class, Advanced Program Logic, this August on better ways to develop, represent and use program logic. The class is designed for people with previous experience developing or using program logic, and will be shaped around the challenges and questions identified by participants beforehand.
Participants will see that the value of program logic goes beyond being used just for budget bids or planning projects. It can also support effective management and implementation once the project begins and guide monitoring and evaluation. It can also be used for small projects, large programs, and complicated multi-partner, multi-site initiatives.
Professor Rogers’ current work using program logic is with the Transformative Change Learning Partnership of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which is supporting climate change adaptation and mitigation projects in 72 developing and middle income countries. The $8.3 billion pledged to the CIF from 14 countries ($166.62m from Australia) is expected to attract an additional $58 billion in co-financing for a portfolio of over 300 projects.
ANZSOG is offering a special discount offer of $1650 (save $250) for those interested in participating in both Advanced Program Logic and the complementary workshop Making the Most of Performance Indicators. The latter, developed and implemented by Associate Professor Greet Peersman, focuses on performance information systems for large-scale programs, strengthening participants’ ability to articulate the strengths and limitations of the performance system they work in and the role they can play in making improvements.
Registrations for Advanced Program Logic are now open. Discounts are also available for groups of four or more and ANZSOG Alumni are also eligible to receive a 15% discount*
*Only one discount offer is redeemable for each registration.
Free Resources:
Guidance and resources on a range of options for developing, representing and using program logic.