Developing a strategic plan with theory of change
A strategic plan should make explicit how your actions will produce the intended change. Use theory of change to connect challenges, results and assumptions. Strengthen the coherence of your decisions and your dialogue with teams, partners and funders.
- Duration
- 2 days 14 hours
- Code
- GP03FR Code
Presentation
Strategic planning involves defining the objectives of a project or program. It requires assessing internal and external factors and making informed choices to achieve those objectives. Integrating a theory of change is essential to improving this planning.
This systematic approach describes the cause-and-effect relationships between project activities and expected results. Its logic and clarity help guide strategic decision-making and articulate the assumptions underlying projects and their anticipated impact. A theory of change is a dynamic tool that supports a comprehensive, adaptable strategy for long-term success.
By taking this 2-day course, you will improve your project management and strategic planning skills while learning the principles of theory of change. The program covers key concepts, planning processes and PESTEL and SWOT analysis methods. You will also learn to develop a strategic plan by aligning the theory of change with your organisation's objectives. Practical work includes creating a theory of change for a hypothetical project.
Objectives
By completing this course, you will achieve the following learning objectives:
- understand the fundamental principles of strategic planning;
- understand the basic concepts and key stages of a theory of change;
- develop a theory of change for a project or program;
- apply the theory of change approach within a strategic planning process.
Program
Module 1: introduction to project or program management
- What is a project or program?
- The project life cycle.
- A project's results chain.
Module 2: introduction to strategic planning
- What is strategic planning?
- The difference between strategic and operational planning.
- The strategic planning process.
- Using PESTEL and SWOT analyses.
- Stakeholder analysis.
Module 3: introduction to theory of change
- What is a theory of change?
- The role of theory of change in strategic planning.
- The components of a theory of change:
- the causal chain;
- assumptions and risks.
Module 4: developing a strategic plan with a theory of change
- Aligning the theory of change with the organisation's objectives.
- Ensuring consistency between the theory of change and strategic planning.
- Practical work:
- create a theory of change for a hypothetical project or program.
Audience
This course is intended for:
- project or program leaders and managers;
- technical and administrative managers within project teams;
- leaders of private, public or non-governmental organisations;
- funders and other financial partners;
- anyone directly or indirectly involved in strategic planning for a project or program.
Prerequisites
No specific skills or experience are required, but a good understanding of French and basic mathematics skills are essential.
Teaching and assessment methods
- Initial skills assessment
- Training materials provided to participants
- Continuous assessment throughout the course
- End-of-course feedback questionnaire
- Combination of theory and practical application
- Attendance records
- Post-course follow-up evaluation
- Practical exercises
Course highlights
Dates and sessions
Choose the date and delivery format that suit you.
No upcoming sessions are currently available.
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