Purposeful Program Theory: Effective Use of Theories of Change and Logic Models

Finally, finally, finally, the definitive guide to evaluation using program theory!Clear and accessible without being simplistic, Funnell and Rogers have produced a nuanced and intelligent treatment of an important topic that makes its predecessors look lightweight in comparison.Program theory enthusiasts will love it, and long-time critics of program theory are in for a goldmine of cogently argued insights that could - and should - change their minds. The authors clearly show how the absence of purposeful program theory can, in many cases, seriously compromise the validity, utility, credibility, actionability, and/or cost-effectiveness of evaluation.Far from the narrow `one true way' approaches to program theory, this book provides numerous practical options for applying program theory to fulfil different purposes and constraints, and guides the reader through the sound critical thinking required to select from among the options. The tour de force of the history and use of program theory is a truly global view, with examples from around the world and across the full range of content domains.A must-have for any serious evaluator.

Really enjoyed the concise and practical writing style. Lots of useful and helpful information, discussion and examples. One of those books you can dip in and out of any time and find something really useful.

Multiple pages are blank (misprinted) . It is a GREAT book, so this is so disappointing!!

love it on my kindle

I purchased this book in 2014 having attended an IPDET training session. The book is an excellent read that helps to clarify terminology used designing and evaluating programs.The most useful chapter for me was chapter 7 "Developing a Theory of Change". Clear theory and practice were presented here. Ironically the following chapter "Developing a Theory of Action" was difficult to grasp. I may have to give the book a second read.Overall - very good text, I'm really glad I purchased it.

This is the Program Theory book of my dreams! The authors have done an impressively thorough and yet accessible job of describing program theory and how to develop it. As an evaluator, this is particularly useful in my day-to-day work. I highly recommend this book for evaluation and other practitioners who need to develop good program theory. Big thanks to the authors for doing such a good job with this book.

I was very fortunate that this book was published just as I started my final dissertation for a MSc in Grant-making, Philanthropy and Social Investment. My research topic was Theories of Change approaches to strategic planning in the context of a philanthropic (grant-making) foundation. This book was one of, if not the, most useful texts I was able to access whilst completing my dissertation and research project.The authors' use the term 'programme theory' to cover a range of approaches to strategic planning and evaluation that share similar features. First, the primary importance of specifying a programme's ultimate objective i.e. first and foremost be clear what it is that you are trying to change or achieve. Second, the process that follows of building a logic sequence of steps that will take you from where you are to your intended goal. Third, the importance of building in monitoring and evaluation systems from the outset that will enable you to track the progress of your programme, and ultimately allow you to tell if (when, how and why) you have reached your ultimate objective. As such the term programme theory in this book is used to cover a wide range of familiar approaches e.g. logic models, theory of change approach, etc.The written style of the book is very readable and clear, even when dealing with quite technical issues. A wide range of subjects are included in the book, including: outcomes chains, pipe-line logic models, evidence-based practice, complexity, situational analyses, etc. There were two particular insights that I found particularly useful, not only in terms of study, but also in influencing my professional practice. First, the importance of challenging presumptions around causality i.e. taking a belief that a certain action (e.g. parenting courses) will lead to certain outcomes (e.g. more happy children) and "holding it up to the light." This includes asking questions of evidence, whether there are multiple pre-conditions required for change, and the importance of programme and non-programme factors i.e. the factors that could influence your success that you can control and those that you cannot control. The philosophical underpinnings are sound with a clear and important explanation of the difference in logical programme terms between 'necessary' and 'sufficient'. Second, the importance of defining the specific attributes of your programme's intended outcomes, which importantly needs to include consideration of comparisons i.e. what are the baselines and trends relevant to your programme's outcomes. This is essential if you are to monitor and evaluate your programme's progress and impact.My only reservation relates to the flip-side of the level of detail contained in the book. Increasingly, charities and foundations of all sizes are being encouraged to look adopt more formal approaches to planning and evaluation with the Theories of Change approach being the latest 'flavour of the month'. However, the majority of organisations within the sector are small and micro sized (i.e. incomes of less than £100k) and employ few, if any staff, and are therefore dependent on volunteers. Whilst this book is potentially very useful to all those organisations in that it starts from the beginning of defining exactly what you are trying to achieve and then how to build your plan from there, the level of detail contained therein is dizzying. Even as a full-time professional I struggled to follow the full detail of the text. In terms of practical use the book may well be too much for smaller organisations, and as such only be used by larger foundations and academics. This would be a pity as there is much in this book that could be very useful to the sector, and would perhaps merit an abridged practitioner's version.

Could be very useful but sadly there are too many blank pages with missing content. One chapter in particular is unreadeable due to the blank pages - very disappointing.

good content for practice but less useful as some pages have been skipped. knowledge missing along the lines!

A great product and service

Excellent coverage, illustrations, how tos. However, still shipping copies with blank unprinted pages, as has been noted in reviews since at least 2 months ago.