Table 2 Main elements in a theory of... | Emerald Publishing

Table 2

Main elements in a theory of change

Key elements	Explanation
End goal	The main long-term outcome to be achieved
Preconditions	Desired outcomes at various stages of the process, which could be short, medium or long-term goals. Achievement of the preconditions will create the conditions necessary to achieve the end goal
Interventions	Activities or actions that will influence the achievement of outcomes on the pathway diagram
Assumptions	Making explicit the theoretical, ideological and political stances that could influence the theory of change. These could be drawn from the research base or from discussions with the stakeholders involved
Indicators	Measures of success for the various preconditions. These should be measurable so that progress with the theory of change and the effectiveness of interventions can be monitored
Rationales	Explain the reasoning behind the causal pathways in the theory of change. The rationale may be supported by research or stakeholder evidence

Key elements	Explanation
End goal	The main long-term outcome to be achieved
Preconditions	Desired outcomes at various stages of the process, which could be short, medium or long-term goals. Achievement of the preconditions will create the conditions necessary to achieve the end goal
Interventions	Activities or actions that will influence the achievement of outcomes on the pathway diagram
Assumptions	Making explicit the theoretical, ideological and political stances that could influence the theory of change. These could be drawn from the research base or from discussions with the stakeholders involved
Indicators	Measures of success for the various preconditions. These should be measurable so that progress with the theory of change and the effectiveness of interventions can be monitored
Rationales	Explain the reasoning behind the causal pathways in the theory of change. The rationale may be supported by research or stakeholder evidence

Source(s): Table created by authors