Theory of change and Logical Framework both are widely used M&E tools in development and humanitarian sector. For a M&E professional, it's necessary to understand the difference between ToC and LogFrame. The information in the slide is collected from Tools4Dev.org

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ToC vs LogFrame
U n d e r s t a n d i n g t h e b a s i c s o f T h e o r y o f C h a n g e a n d L o g i c a l
F r a m e wo r k i n d e v e l o p m e n t a n d h u m a n i t a r i a n s e c t o r.
T h i s p r e s e n t a t i o n i s i n s p i r e d f r o m To o l s 4 D e v
h t t p s : / / w w w. t o o l s 4 d e v. o r g / r e s o u r c e s / t h e o r y - o f - c h a n g e - v s -
l o g i c a l - f r a m e w o r k - w h a t s - t h e - d i f f e r e n c e - i n - p r a c t i c e /

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Theory of Change
U n d e r s t a n d i n g T h e o r y o f C h a n g e a n d i t s s p e c i f i c a t i o n s
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Definition of Theory of Change
• Theory of Change
shows the entire perspective on a situation or issue
including issues related to the environment or context
that you can’t control
Shows all the different pathways that might lead to
change, even if those pathways are not related to your
program.
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• It could presented as a diagram with narrative text.

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Logical Framework
U n d e r s t a n d i n g L o g i c a l F r a m e w o r k a n d i t s s p e c i f i c a t i o n s
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Definition of Logical Framework
• Logical Framework
gives a detailed description of the program
shows how the program activities will lead to the
immediate outputs,
and indicates how these will lead to the outcomes and
goal.
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• It could be displayed as a matrix or as a flow chart.
It is usually shown as a matrix, called as LogFrame.
When it is shown as a flow chart, it’s called as Logic
model.

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LogFrame vs ToC
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Theory of Change Logical Framework
• Toc gained popularity only in the 1990s to
capture the implementation and outcomes of
complex projects in international development.
• A ToC is best created before an intervention
starts.The development of a ToC usually
begins from the top, meaning it identifies the
goal first and then works backwards to map
the outcome pathways and the most
appropriate interventions that may create the
desired change(s).
• The logic model approach was introduced in
the 1970s as a programme design
methodology for USAID, capturing essential
programme elements in a single table and
utilized to improve the planning,
implementation, management and monitoring
and evaluation of projects.
• A logic model is often created after a project or
program has been developed, working forward
from inputs through activities, outputs
outcomes to the end result or the goal.

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LogFrame vs ToC
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Theory of Change Logical Framework
• While developing a ToC, we ask – if we do
activity A then outcome B will take place
because…. (If…then…why…)
• ToC is a causal model, it requires justifications
at each step, meaning you have to articulate
the assumption about WHY Activity A will
cause Outcome B.
• ToC is used as a tool for program design and
evaluation.
• The question used in developing this
framework is – if we plan to do activity A, then
will that produce outcome B? (If…then)
• A logic model states Activity A causes
Outcome B but it does not show WHY that
activity produces that particular outcome.
• Logic model is mainly used as a tool for
monitoring and evaluation.

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LogFrame vs ToC
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Theory of Change Logical Framework
• ToC is explanatory in nature. ToC shows the
big messy picture and takes a wide view of a
desired change or long-term impact – carefully
examining and thinking through each activity,
input, output and outcome, issues that you can
and can’t control and preconditions that will
enable or inhibit each step.
• ToC probes assumptions behind each step
and demonstrates all possible pathways that
lead to the desired change or impact and
provides evidence for how and why you think
certain activity will cause the certain change.
• Logic model is descriptive in nature. It
illustrates project components (project goals,
activities, outputs, inputs, risks, assumptions
and short and medium term outcomes) in one
clear and specific pathway, and takes a narrow
and practical look at the relationship between
these elements.
• The risks and assumptions stated in a logic
model are usually only basic and are not
backed up by evidence for why you think one
thing will lead to another.

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LogFrame vs ToC
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Theory of Change Logical Framework
• ToCs have their core components but are
rather flexible and do not have a standardized
format.
• It can take any form from a flow chart to a
comprehensive graphical diagram with
narrative text. It could include cyclical
processes, feedback loops, one box could
lead to multiple other boxes, different shapes
could be used and so on.
• A ToC works to understand the context in
which a program operates. It recognises that
factors outside of the program will often have
an influence on the end result.
• The structure of a logframe is quite
standardized and linear, which means that all
activities lead to outputs which lead to
outcomes and the goal.
• It is often presented as a table and there are
no cyclical processes or feedback loops.
• A logic model focuses much more on the
project and program itself and how it is
operating rather than external factors.

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Example
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“
True genius resides in the capacity for
evaluation of uncertain, hazardous, and
conflicting information.”
- Winston Churchill
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Thank You