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AimsMethodsResultsConclusionTo investigate what it is about community-based perinatal mental health peer support from trained volunteers that works, for whom, in what circumstances, in what respects, and why; and build a change model that includes positive and negative mechanisms and outcomes.Realist evaluation methods based on semi-structured interviews were used to create a change model for a third sector programme in England.Mothers who received peer support (n = 20), peer support volunteers (n = 27), and programme staff (n = 9) were interviewed. Positive impact on mothers was primarily based on feeling understood and accepted, social comparison (including normalisation, hope, and gaining perspective) and sharing non-directive information from experiential knowledge. Negative impact on mothers was based on negative social comparison, or absence of key peer support mechanisms. Mothers were affected in different ways, depending on individual contexts: their backgrounds, personalities, social situations, resources, experiences, beliefs, and needs. Some different mechanisms were present in one-to-one and group situations. All participants considered the benefits of peer support to greatly outweigh the risks.Individual contextual factors affect the multiple mechanisms through which mental health peer support can improve mothers’ emotional wellbeing and social participation. Peer support has potential risks as well as benefits, which can be mitigated. Programmes could use this understanding of how contexts and mechanisms interact to produce peer support outcomes to improve training for peer support volunteers and to design future evaluations that take into account diversity of peer support experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory of change has become a common tool in project design because it helps teams agree on hypothesized causal pathways to a desired goal and examine their underlying assumptions. Yet, a consensus has not emerged on the specific steps and components of a theory of change. What constitutes a theory of change? Using 22 theory of change publications, we did a structured analysis of the components of a theory of change. Where there was substantial agreement among the publications on a specific component of a theory of change, we included it in the first iteration of our approach. We then ordered the components in a logical sequence, developed guidance for each component, tested them with project teams, and revised them in an iterative process. We tested and refined our guidance over 3 years with 73 teams from 18 countries. Here, we share our learning and recommendations for those interested in developing a robust theory of change for a conservation project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information disclosure policies influence nearly every consumer domain. Disclosure research across various sectors, particularly finance and nutrition, demonstrates how policymakers can enhance consumer decision-making and promote a fair marketplace. In particular, five key considerations make policies more effective: understanding existing consumer preferences, capturing and maintaining consumer attention, providing actionable knowledge, anticipating firm responses, and recognizing potential perverse effects of information provision. An overarching "theory of change" organizes these considerations and other steps to reveal how disclosure policy can promote consumer well-being. Implementing disclosure policies using these psychological and behavioral insights will maximize their effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental health in the workplace is a growing concern for enterprises and policy makers. MENTUPP is a multi-level mental health intervention implemented in small and medium size enterprises from three work sectors in nine countries. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, delivery, and instruments for the MENTUPP intervention to inform the planning of a clustered randomized controlled trial. Methods: We administered items from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and the Danish Work Environment Cohort Study measuring psychosocial workplace factors. The questionnaire was answered by 382 participants at baseline, of which 98 participants also answered after six months at follow-up. We calculated mean scores of 19 psychosocial factors at baseline and conducted repeated measures ANOVAs to assess differences in eight psychosocial factors at follow-up. We also examined whether outcomes differed between work sectors and job positions at follow-up. Results: The construction sector and workers with no or a lower leadership role reported more negative working environment factors at baseline. We observed a statistically significant decline in social support from colleagues and social community at work, and a marginally significant decline in justice at work. For the rest of the constructs, we did not observe statistically significant changes. Conclusions: We found significant differences in psychosocial work environment factors among work sectors and job positions at baseline. Contrary to our hypotheses, three psychosocial work environment factors decreased at follow-up. Possible explanations are the utilization of specific psychosocial factors as resources to cope with psychosocial stressors, high participant expectations that were not met by the intervention, insufficient time for structural changes, or the intervention prompting critical evaluations of the work environment. These findings will inform the design and implementation of the forthcoming clustered randomized controlled trial, where they will also be further investigated to validate their significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's picturebooks have a unique potential to support young children with learning disabilities, to allow them to see themselves reflected in the stories, to educate others around them about their experiences and their needs, and to better represent the diversity of learners. Are today's picturebooks that portray characters with learning disabilities harnessing this potential by providing a diversity of multi-dimensional characters that readers can connect with? Through the lens of radical change theory, this study uses content analysis to examine the text and illustrations of 14 recent picturebooks that portray characters with learning disabilities to assess the trends, themes, and strengths of modern children's literature. Fourteen children's picturebooks for children ages 4 to 8 published between 2010 and March 2022 were selected, with a special effort to find books featuring characters with dysgraphia and dyscalculia, but also including characters with other learning disabilities. The books were closely read and the illustrations examined to find dominant themes and evidence of radical change—elements of changing forms and formats, changing perspective, and changing boundaries. Findings include an increase in the diversity of families portrayed, new perspectives of youth voices and youth authors, and more multi-dimensional, strength-based portrayals of characters. However, there is still a need for more diversity of ethnicities and ethno-centric storytelling and representation of learning disabilities other than dyslexia, including dyscalculia and dysgraphia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scholars have long studied how organizations can transition towards greater sustainability, but it is only recently that they have begun to investigate a fundamentally new stream in sustainability thinking: the circular economy paradigm. Instead of the 'make‐use‐dispose' approach of a linear economy, a circular economy aims at eliminating waste and avoiding damage to the environment by closing resource loops. Given the recent surge of scholarly interest in the ways in which organizations can change towards working in a more circular way, it is important and timely to verify what scholars have learnt, what remains contested, and what should be done next. To this end, we are reviewing literature on the emerging field of 'Organizational Change towards a Circular Economy' (OCCE). We identify and analyse research that sits at the interface of organizational change theory and the circular economy paradigm and provide a systematic literature review. Our review reveals consensus, ambiguities, and differences in the OCCE literature along three main dimensions of organizational change (i.e., content, process, and context). Furthermore, we develop a novel and encompassing conceptualization of OCCE as well as outline future research opportunities. Overall, our study brings together the growing but fragmented body of OCCE research and outlines scientific and practical avenues for making progress in a more unified and systematic way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractInvestment in transformative climate change education for graduate students can support emergent scholars and practitioners to produce more ethical, effective, and relevant solutions to address climate inequities. Yet, we lack a framework for analyzing how an educational program impacts the multiple dimensions of student’s scientific training to implement equity-focused practices. This study details the development of a theory of change framework for a transformative climate change education program called Asking Different Questions in Climate Change Science. The program, a 10-week co-curricular course with single module options, is designed for research-focused masters and doctoral students at University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Using a participatory planning approach, we built a theory of change for the program based on a diverse body of literature, empirical examples, and qualitative data from nine UC Davis faculty and 11 UC Davis graduate students who study climate change. The theory of change outlines specific course activities and supports in the social, institutional, and cultural aspects of a student’s learning experience to transform how they do climate science. While this theory of change was formed specifically for the ADQCS program, this study offers an approach and framework that others may adapt for their own purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Envisioning trajectories towards sustainability encompasses enacting significant changes in multiple spheres (i.e., infrastructure, policy, practices, behaviors). These changes unfold within the intricate landscapes of wicked problems, where diverse perspectives and potential solutions intersect and often clash. Advancing more equitable and sustainable trajectories demands recognition of and collaboration with diverse voices to uncover meaningful synergies among groups striving to catalyze substantial change. Projects of this nature necessitate the exploration of varied tools and methodologies to elicit, convey, and integrate ideas effectively. Creating spaces for reflexivity is essential for catalyzing more meaningful impact as individuals engage in discussions aimed at sharing and questioning the coherence of their projects while forging synergies, identifying common objectives, and planning long-term outcomes. We present the initial phase of an endeavor in which we developed a software that elicits causal networks based on mapping relations between projects' actions and outcomes. To illustrate our approach, we describe the results of using this software within collaborative workshops with groups spearheading projects initiated by a government entity in Mexico City. By adapting elements of the Theory of Change model, this software transcends the dominant linear project logic by guiding participants in designing causation networks that unveil how different projects can articulate to identify potential common elements and find new possibilities for coordination among initiatives. We discuss the potential of such software application as a dynamic tool to guide and promote reflection and coherence when crafting projects that aim to more meaningfully address sustainability problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this article we analyzed the extent of the usage of Theories of Change (TOCs) and causal pathways in the evaluation of immunization programs to identify the challenges to generating evidence on how interventions improve immunization. Methods: We analyzed the use of the TOC in impact evaluations (IEs) of immunization interventions published after 2010, and its associated articles. The review includes studies from Evidence Gap Map and Yale review that were conducted in May and March of 2020, respectively. We synthesized data on six domains using NVIVO — program theory, context, assumptions, usage of TOC, use in evaluation, and description causal pathways. Results: Our review included 47 large-scale and 45 small-to medium-scale interventions. Of the included studies, 19% used a TOC, 56% described a causal pathway or used a conceptual diagram with varying degrees of detail, and 25% of the IEs did not provide any information on how their intervention was expected to affect change. Only 19 of the 92 IEs explicitly outlined any assumptions associated with the implementation of the interventions. Forty studies measured the outputs or intermediate outcomes leading to improved immunization coverage. Conclusion: Future implementers and evaluators need to develop clear TOCs that are based on established theory and have clearly articulated the underlying assumptions. Large-scale health system strengthening initiatives implemented by governments, also need to build TOCs and integrate them into their results frameworks. Additionally, there is a need to combine both impact and process evaluations to understand the how context affects the causal pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the current state of academic research in event-tourism and its impact on the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Through a systematic review and bibliometric analysis of 159 articles, this study reveals a moderate alignment between the literature on sustainable event tourism and the UN SDGs. However, certain SDGs, such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Gender Equality, have limited research attention in this context. This study also sheds light on under-researched stakeholders including sponsors, associations, and academic institutions. Drawing on the theory of change proposed by the UN Development Group and stakeholder analysis, the findings presented in this study serve as a bridge between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications. This study provides tangible solutions and strategies for aligning event-tourism practices with the principles and targets outlined in the UN SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While much is known about factors associated with deradicalisation and disengagement from violent extremism and terrorism, the underlying mechanisms at play have been under theorised. Literature on criminal desistance has a lot to offer in understanding the process of exiting from extremism, particularly in how it proceeds, the mechanisms at play and why it may or may not be sustained—what we term as the sustainability problem. We draw on criminal desistance scholarship to theoretically unpack the change processes underpinning desistance from extremism and why it is a challenging process for individuals. We propose a theory of cognitive transformation and explore the role of agentic change and external influences on the sustainability of desistance. We link our proposed theory of change to practical implications relating to the role of formal agents and how desistance from extremism can be supported, undermined, and assessed as authentic. Limitations with the theory of change are considered, as well directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In this article we analyzed the extent of the usage of Theories of Change (TOCs) and causal pathways in the evaluation of immunization programs to identify the challenges to generating evidence on how interventions improve immunization. Methods We analyzed the use of the TOC in impact evaluations (IEs) of immunization interventions published after 2010, and its associated articles. The review includes studies from Evidence Gap Map and Yale review that were conducted in May and March of 2020, respectively. We synthesized data on six domains using NVIVO — program theory, context, assumptions, usage of TOC, use in evaluation, and description causal pathways. Results Our review included 47 large-scale and 45 small-to medium-scale interventions. Of the included studies, 19% used a TOC, 56% described a causal pathway or used a conceptual diagram with varying degrees of detail, and 25% of the IEs did not provide any information on how their intervention was expected to affect change. Only 19 of the 92 IEs explicitly outlined any assumptions associated with the implementation of the interventions. Forty studies measured the outputs or intermediate outcomes leading to improved immunization coverage. Conclusion Future implementers and evaluators need to develop clear TOCs that are based on established theory and have clearly articulated the underlying assumptions. Large-scale health system strengthening initiatives implemented by governments, also need to build TOCs and integrate them into their results frameworks. Additionally, there is a need to combine both impact and process evaluations to understand the how context affects the causal pathways.

Systemic models of couple and family therapy (CFT) are often categorized into two transtheoretical paradigms: modernism and postmodernism. Traditionally, these paradigms have been positioned in opposition to one another and are critiqued for their respective epistemologies and stances on the definitions of truth and reality. The binarizing of systemic models has created theoretical divisions in the field of CFT that restricts many clinicians from addressing the limitations and harnessing the benefits of each transtheoretical paradigm. Metamodernism, a philosophical paradigm that emphasizes theoretical pluralism, reflexivity, and dialectical processes, has arisen as a potential solution for addressing the philosophical tensions between modernism and postmodernism; however, there currently exists no approach to systemic therapy that aligns with the tenets of this paradigm. This article delineates the application of metamodernism in the field of systemic therapy through the presentation of Dynamic Narrative Therapy, an innovative approach to systemic therapy drawn from the integration of two foundational theoretical models (i.e., strategic family therapy and narrative family therapy). This integration synergizes the strategic concepts of circular causality and feedback loops as well as the narrative use of deconstruction, externalization, and narrative metaphor to illustrate a more comprehensive approach to the therapeutic change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to establish a conceptual connection between social innovation (SI) and utopia. Both refer to change in the future, imply an intent to bring about or envision a better state of affairs and therefore offer some critique of the present. Current concepts of SI lack focus on thecritiques, hopes and imaginaries that underlie SI initiatives. The paper turns towards the concept of utopia to fully understand SI as a tool for social change and engages with how utopia can become part of a social theory of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sex and gender are inadequately considered in health and medical research, policy and practice, leading to preventable disparities in health and wellbeing. Several global institutions, journals, and funding bodies have developed policies and guidelines to improve the inclusion of diverse participants and consideration of sex and gender in research design and reporting and the delivery of clinical care. However, according to recent evaluations, these policies have had limited impact on the inclusion of diverse research participants, adequate reporting of sex and gender data and reducing preventable inequities in access to, and quality provision of, healthcare. In Australia, the Sex and Gender Policies in Medical Research (SGPMR) project aims to address sex and gender bias in health and medical research by (i) examining how sex and gender are currently considered in Australian research policy and practice; (ii) working with stakeholders to develop policy interventions; and (iii) understanding the wider impacts, including economic, of improved sex and gender consideration in Australian health and medical research. In this paper we describe the development of a theory of change (ToC) for the SGPMR project. The ToC evolved from a two-stage process consisting of key stakeholder interviews and a consultation event. The ToC aims to identify the pathways to impact from improved consideration of sex and gender in health and medical research, policy and practice, and highlight how key activities and policy levers can lead to improvements in clinical practice and health outcomes. In describing the development of the ToC, we present an entirely novel framework for outlining how sex and gender can be appropriately considered within the confines of health and medical research, policy and practice.

Sex and gender are inadequately considered in health and medical research, policy and practice, leading to preventable disparities in health and wellbeing. Several global institutions, journals, and funding bodies have developed policies and guidelines to improve the inclusion of diverse participants and consideration of sex and gender in research design and reporting and the delivery of clinical care. However, according to recent evaluations, these policies have had limited impact on the inclusion of diverse research participants, adequate reporting of sex and gender data and reducing preventable inequities in access to, and quality provision of, healthcare. In Australia, the Sex and Gender Policies in Medical Research (SGPMR) project aims to address sex and gender bias in health and medical research by (i) examining how sex and gender are currently considered in Australian research policy and practice; (ii) working with stakeholders to develop policy interventions; and (iii) understanding the wider impacts, including economic, of improved sex and gender consideration in Australian health and medical research. In this paper we describe the development of a theory of change (ToC) for the SGPMR project. The ToC evolved from a two-stage process consisting of key stakeholder interviews and a consultation event. The ToC aims to identify the pathways to impact from improved consideration of sex and gender in health and medical research, policy and practice, and highlight how key activities and policy levers can lead to improvements in clinical practice and health outcomes. In describing the development of the ToC, we present an entirely novel framework for outlining how sex and gender can be appropriately considered within the confines of health and medical research, policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This article aims to analyze entrepreneurs’ perceptions about the contributions of Model C in modeling their social businesses. Originality/value: The study contributes theoretically and empirically when addressing social businesses linked to opportunities and their development challenges by using the Model C tool in its modeling, exploring institutional integration, and allowing a holistic, systemic structure of value creation activities. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopts a qualitative method of a descriptive type based on multiple cases in three Brazilian social businesses. For data collection, an interview script developed from the analysis categories of the Model C framework was applied, as well as the interviewees’ perception of how the tool helps the development of their business model, direct observation, and documentary analysis. The analysis of the results was performed with the aid of the software ATLAS.ti. Findings: Based on the assumption that a social business model mixes several institutional logics, combining social and financial missions in a balanced way, the results show that Model C can structure the business’s organizational capacity and social value. However, it cannot fully quantify the financial value generated by social businesses, leading the social entrepreneur to use complementary financial tools. There is evidence for the creation of new tools that assist in obtaining innovative solutions to address societal challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refugee children and young people have high levels of unmet mental health needs. A trauma‐informed service transformation framework was applied with 14 professionals in Turkey. Through participatory focus groups, professionals co‐produced service plans and considered enabling and challenging factors for implementation. Data were analysed through a thematic codebook approach. Established themes suggested that implementation should concurrently address societal barriers, agency fragmentation, lack of contextual interventions and sustainability. These led to the development of a Theory of Change. A trauma‐informed and scaled service model of collaborative care can holistically meet refugee children and young people's complex needs, while maximising sparse resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online delivery of community music groups has become more widely accepted following the COVID-19 pandemic, and may reduce barriers to attendance for certain demographics, including mothers with caring responsibilities. However, different interaction patterns may affect group processes, altering a programme's underlying mechanisms of change when adapted for online delivery. This research compares in-person and videoconference delivery of the Lullaby Project, a therapeutic community music group for mothers with infants aged under 3. It explores engagement, participation and group processes, and elucidates the mechanisms of change for both modes of implementation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine mothers and seven musicians who had experienced one of three delivery methods: (1) face-to-face; (2) face-to-face and online combination and (3) online. Interviews were analysed inductively using thematic analysis and eleven sub-themes were identified within three overarching themes: (1) engagement; (2) group processes and (3) change mechanisms. Mothers perceived benefits and formed meaningful relationships in-person and online, although the distinct group processes and change mechanisms suggest the delivery methods constitute distinct interventions. Specifically, relationships were formed on an individual level during in-person delivery, whereas group-based connections were more likely with online delivery. Further research is needed to explore a diversity of experiences, and to evaluate the efficacy of online delivery of community music groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy PointsFaced with urgent threats to human health and well‐being such as climate change, calls among the academic community are getting louder to contribute more effectively to the implementation of the evidence generated by our research into public policy.As interest in knowledge translation (KT) surges, so have a number of anxieties about the field's shortcomings. Our paper is motivated by a call in the literature to render useful advice for those beginning in KT on how to advance impact at a policy level.By integrating knowledge from fields such as political science, moral psychology, and marketing, we suggest that thinking and acting like marketers, lobbyists, movements, and political scientists would help us advance on the quest to bridge the chasm between evidence and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 2015 original article, the authors argue that philanthropic endeavors should be undergirded by a theory of philanthropy that describes and explains how and why a particular foundation engages in philanthropy, and they provide details about how to conceptualize a theory of philanthropy. In the 2024 prologue, Patton describes how different kinds of initiatives need different theory--practice frameworks. A theory of change hypothesizes how a specific intervention (grant, project, or program) is expected to achieve desired impacts. A theory of philanthropy, in contrast, articulates a foundation's role in supporting specific kinds of theories of change. The theory of philanthropy framework led to two further theory--practice differentiations: a theory of philanthropic alliance, which explains and hypothesizes how several foundations working together can have greater collective impact than they could working separately, and distinguishing a theory of transformation from a theory of change. A theory of transformation incorporates and integrates multiple theories of change with diverse change agents operating at many levels that, knitted together, explain how major systems transformation can occur. What these various approaches to theory conceptualization have in common is a willingness to engage in serious and deep intellectual analysis of how change occurs, doing so to inform strategy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Due to advances in treatments, people with haemophilia (PWH) are living longer. They are not as active as the general population due to joint damage and lack confidence to be active due to concerns about further bleeds and pain. There is a need to facilitate healthy aging through promotion of physical activity (PA) and exercise. Changing patient beliefs and increasing physical literacy and confidence to move are thought to be key to helping PWH become more active. Aim: This paper describes the development of an exercise and behaviour change intervention to improve confidence to exercise in PWH. Methods: The 4‐stage Medical Research Council framework for complex intervention development was used. Results: Stakeholders included 17 PWH and 7 physiotherapists working in haemophilia. Seven online focus group meetings were held. The final intervention is a hybrid 12‐week physiotherapist led progressive exercise programme. Classes are 45 min including Pilates, High intensity interval training and balance elements, together with discussion sessions focusing on PA recommendations, the types and benefits of different exercise styles and the effects of PA, together with the effects of aging for PWH. The COM‐B model of behaviour change was used to develop the intervention. Conclusion: Co‐design helps to produce an intervention that understands the stakeholders needs. Through this process the intervention developed to incorporate not only increasing PA but also confidence to exercise. The use of behaviour change theory identified the behaviour techniques included in the intervention and aims to increase physical literacy in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: this study aimed at understanding the impact of payment for environmental services (PES) programs in relation to environmental indicators in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. Theoretical approach: the literary framework included three topics of discussion: payment for environmental services, program evaluation, and theory of change. In a broader way, the theme of evaluating programs in the agricultural area was articulated, considering the precepts of the theory of change. Method: geospatial data on land use, between 2016 and 2021, and amounts paid under the PES program with rural producers were collected to evaluate the impact on the increase or decrease in degraded and recovered areas. Data analysis included multivariate statistics, more specifically the comparison between groups and the relationship between variables through multiple linear regression. Results: the empirical results highlight that there is a significant difference in the increase in areas under recovery between producers who received PES values and producers not participating in this program. As for the types of PES, the one that pays for improvements in land use contributed most to the increase in the area under recovery. Conclusions: the study shows that evaluation methods for PES must be increasingly complex and measurable, as there are several possibilities for impacts depending on the objective of the program. The results are relevant to the theoretical, practical, and social spheres, in addition to helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: this study aimed at understanding the impact of payment for environmental services (PES) programs in relation to environmental indicators in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. Theoretical approach: the literary framework included three topics of discussion: payment for environmental services, program evaluation, and theory of change. In a broader way, the theme of evaluating programs in the agricultural area was articulated, considering the precepts of the theory of change. Method: geospatial data on land use, between 2016 and 2021, and amounts paid under the PES program with rural producers were collected to evaluate the impact on the increase or decrease in degraded and recovered areas. Data analysis included multivariate statistics, more specifically the comparison between groups and the relationship between variables through multiple linear regression. Results: the empirical results highlight that there is a significant difference in the increase in areas under recovery between producers who received PES values and producers not participating in this program. As for the types of PES, the one that pays for improvements in land use contributed most to the increase in the area under recovery. Conclusions: the study shows that evaluation methods for PES must be increasingly complex and measurable, as there are several possibilities for impacts depending on the objective of the program. The results are relevant to the theoretical, practical, and social spheres, in addition to helping to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Adopt-A-Daycare Program, designed to address daycare center assessed needs prioritizing those of teachers, children and parents, underwent a three-year impact analysis to evaluate its effectiveness. Utilizing an explanatory sequential research design, the study found a positive impact on beneficiaries and stakeholders. Results indicated increased support for daycare services and professional development opportunities for teachers, as well as enhanced well-being for children and parents. Overall, the program has demonstrated success in meeting its objectives over the initial three-year period, showcasing its efficacy in addressing daycare center needs for all involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States Department of Agricultures Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) supports nutrition incentive (NI) and produce prescription programs (PPRs). PPRs allow healthcare providers to prescribe fruits and vegetables (FVs) to patients experiencing low income and/or chronic disease(s) and who screen positive for food insecurity. We developed a Theory of Change (TOC) that summarizes how and why PPRs work, identifies what the programs hope to achieve, and elucidates the causal pathways necessary to achieve their goals. We created the PPR TOC through an iterative, participatory process that adapted our previously developed GusNIP NI TOC. The participatory process involved food and nutrition security experts, healthcare providers, PPR implementors, and PPR evaluators reviewing the existing NI TOC and suggesting modifications to accurately reflect PPRs. The resulting TOC describes the mechanisms, assumptions, rationale, and underpinnings that lead to successful and equitable outcomes. Modifications of the NI TOC centered around equity and focused on inclusion of healthcare as an additional partner and the importance of health and healthcare utilization as outcomes. The TOC describes how the GusNIP PPR program reaches its goals. This understanding will be useful for PPR developers, implementers, funders, and evaluators for describing the pathways, assumptions, and foundations of successful PPRs.

Evaluative research can advance sustainability education through the learning it can enable, at micro and systems levels. This proposition is explored by examining evaluation practice in a 6-year international programme entitled Transdisciplinary Education Collaboration for Transformations in Sustainability involving universities and biosphere reserves/regions in Germany, South Africa and Canada. A Transdisciplinary International Learning Lab (TILL) was evaluated using a theory-based evaluation approach and interviews, focus groups and questionnaires that yielded qualitative data. Through meta-reflection, we concluded that our TILL had elements of a Field School, rather than a Learning Lab, and that our curriculum required more explicit deliberation among programme developers and implementers towards a deeper and shared understanding of pedagogical assumptions and more congruent practice of transdisciplinary and transformative sustainability education. The reflective, theory-based approach enabled learning from evaluation and was captured in a shared refinement of the theory of change, which makes it explicit that learning from pedagogical innovations is not only for students but also for academics. The paper is an invitation to other innovators in sustainability science, education and evaluation in higher education, to share related findings. Significance: Through evaluative research, educators gained insight into how transformative sustainability education and transdisciplinarity play out in practice, and how theory-based evaluation can inform more transformative programme design. As higher education practitioners collaborating across continents and disciplines for systemic change, we noted that transformative concepts do not immediately translate into transformative practices, unless we critically and collectively reflect on practice and outcomes. Such (meta) reflection requires data and purposefully designed evaluation frameworks-in-use. This idea is not new, but its manifestation in practice was illuminative and could also be of scholarly interest to other curriculum and evaluation designers.

Envisioning trajectories towards sustainability encompasses enacting significant changes in multiple spheres (i.e., infrastructure, policy, practices, behaviors). These changes unfold within the intricate landscapes of wicked problems, where diverse perspectives and potential solutions intersect and often clash. Advancing more equitable and sustainable trajectories demands recognition of and collaboration with diverse voices to uncover meaningful synergies among groups striving to catalyze substantial change. Projects of this nature necessitate the exploration of varied tools and methodologies to elicit, convey, and integrate ideas effectively. Creating spaces for reflexivity is essential for catalyzing more meaningful impact as individuals engage in discussions aimed at sharing and questioning the coherence of their projects while forging synergies, identifying common objectives, and planning long-term outcomes. We present the initial phase of an endeavor in which we developed a software that elicits causal networks based on mapping relations between projects’ actions and outcomes. To illustrate our approach, we describe the results of using this software within collaborative workshops with groups spearheading projects initiated by a government entity in Mexico City. By adapting elements of the Theory of Change model, this software transcends the dominant linear project logic by guiding participants in designing causation networks that unveil how different projects can articulate to identify potential common elements and find new possibilities for coordination among initiatives. We discuss the potential of such software application as a dynamic tool to guide and promote reflection and coherence when crafting projects that aim to more meaningfully address sustainability problems.

This study investigates the dynamics and challenges in the specification of policy design at the micro level, when broad policy issues are translated into specific interventions. By conducting an in-depth case study of urban initiative dealing with food waste in Warsaw, we unravel the complex process of translating policy objectives into action. Our findings have three points. First, the dynamics of micro-level design provide a broad space for policy designers to make decisions that reshape both the understanding of the policy problem and the change strategies used to address it. Second, policy design can be both engineering and bricolage. It results from changes in context, political considerations, research evidence, and institutional actors’ pragmatic decisions. Third, the Theory of Change can be used as canvas to guide designers through this dynamic process. Future research is recommended to generalize our findings across different contexts and explore the roles of diverse stakeholders in the policy design process.

Abstract Background Stakeholder engagement is essential to the design, implementation and evaluation of complex mental health interventions like peer support. Theory of Change (ToC) is commonly used in global health research to help structure and promote stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle. Stakeholder insights are especially important in the context of a multi-site trial, in which an intervention may need to be adapted for implementation across very different settings while maintaining fidelity to a core model. This paper describes the development of a ToC for a peer support intervention to be delivered to people with severe mental health conditions in five countries as part of the UPSIDES trial. Methods One hundred thirty-four stakeholders from diverse backgrounds participated in a total of 17 workshops carried out at six UPSIDES implementing sites across high-, middle- and low-income settings (one site each in India, Israel, Uganda and Tanzania; two sites in Germany). The initial ToC maps created by stakeholders at each site were integrated into a cross-site ToC map, which was then revised to incorporate additional insights from the academic literature and updated iteratively through multiple rounds of feedback provided by the implementers. Results The final ToC map divides the implementation of the UPSIDES peer support intervention into three main stages: preparation, implementation, and sustainability. The map also identifies three levels of actors involved in peer support: individuals (service users and peer support workers), organisations (and their staff members), and the public. In the UPSIDES trial, the ToC map proved especially helpful in characterising and distinguishing between (a) common features of peer support, (b) shared approaches to implementation and (c) informing adaptations to peer support or implementation to account for contextual differences. Conclusions UPSIDES is the first project to develop a multi-national ToC for a mental health peer support intervention. Stakeholder engagement in the ToC process helped to improve the cultural and contextual appropriateness of a complex intervention and ensure equivalence across sites for the purposes of a multi-site trial. It may serve as a blueprint for implementing similar interventions with a focus on recovery and social inclusion among people with mental ill-health across diverse settings. Trial registration ISRCTN26008944 (Registration Date: 30/10/2019).

The article summarizes scientific approaches to the development of the theory of changes in the greening of business. The scientific and methodological approaches to understanding the basics of the theory of change have been developed. The features of the application of the theory of change in the greening of business are presented. The specifics of the development of the theory of changes in the greening of business on the example of Ukraine are revealed. It is determined that for the Ukrainian realities, the greening of business is implemented mainly in the formal plane in the context of compliance with the norms and standards of environmental development, ensuring environmental taxation, control of environmental pollution standards, which slows down the development of the component of the Ukrainian environmental business and hinders the innovative introduction of elements of the ecological paradigm in our country. The theory of change is a rigorous but necessary process by which groups and stakeholders in planning activities formulate their long-term goals and define the conditions that they believe should precede the achievement of these goals. These conditions are modeled as desired outcomes, organized graphically in a causal structure. Change theory describes the types of interventions (a single program or a coordinated initiative) that lead to the outcomes depicted in the outcome map. Each intervention is linked to an outcome in a causal system, revealing the often complex web of actions required to bring about change. Several factors have been found to make it difficult for multinational companies to take action against climate change, such as a lack of certainty about climate policy, a lack of green technologies, and a lack of return on investment. The use of green practices also remains limited in the International Health Standards (IHR) in both developed and developing countries, due to limited access to finance and skills, lack of information and knowledge about innovation, and, in some cases, poor enforcement of rules. It is determined that for a better and more effective application of the norms and provisions of the theory of changes in the greening of business, it is relevant to introduce professional courses for managers and environmental managers of companies, which will direct the professional training of management staff to the implementation of effective environmental changes in business. It is also relevant to introduce the State-based programs to stimulate the development of greening business in terms of indirect (tax incentives for businesses that implement environmental innovations) and direct incentives for the implementation of environmental changes (preferential lending for greening business).

AbstractThis article suggests social entrepreneurship, driven by the focal point of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation, as a mechanism to safeguard the cultural heritage of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the case study of two entities - a legally registered organisation (ORG01) and an informal group (ORG02). Given the complex mechanism of social entrepreneurship, this study employed a qualitative approach utilising the Theory of Change framework to dissect the intricated aspects of social entrepreneurship initiatives into processes and challenges, focusing on inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. The key findings shed light on the roles of two entities embodying the characteristics of Social Entrepreneurship Orientation in their safeguarding efforts. Lastly, this article contributes to a practical understanding and possible development of a sustainable model for cultural heritage safeguarding by comprehending the social entrepreneurship process and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 11 of fostering sustainable cities and communities.

Background: Stakeholder engagement is essential to the design, implementation and evaluation of complex mental health interventions like peer support. Theory of Change (ToC) is commonly used in global health research to help structure and promote stakeholder engagement throughout the project cycle. Stakeholder insights are especially important in the context of a multi-site trial, in which an intervention may need to be adapted for implementation across very different settings while maintaining fidelity to a core model. This paper describes the development of a ToC for a peer support intervention to be delivered to people with severe mental health conditions in five countries as part of the UPSIDES trial. Methods: One hundred thirty-four stakeholders from diverse backgrounds participated in a total of 17 workshops carried out at six UPSIDES implementing sites across high-, middle- and low-income settings (one site each in India, Israel, Uganda and Tanzania; two sites in Germany). The initial ToC maps created by stakeholders at each site were integrated into a cross-site ToC map, which was then revised to incorporate additional insights from the academic literature and updated iteratively through multiple rounds of feedback provided by the implementers. Results: The final ToC map divides the implementation of the UPSIDES peer support intervention into three main stages: preparation, implementation, and sustainability. The map also identifies three levels of actors involved in peer support: individuals (service users and peer support workers), organisations (and their staff members), and the public. In the UPSIDES trial, the ToC map proved especially helpful in characterising and distinguishing between (a) common features of peer support, (b) shared approaches to implementation and (c) informing adaptations to peer support or implementation to account for contextual differences. Conclusions: UPSIDES is the first project to develop a multi-national ToC for a mental health peer support intervention. Stakeholder engagement in the ToC process helped to improve the cultural and contextual appropriateness of a complex intervention and ensure equivalence across sites for the purposes of a multi-site trial. It may serve as a blueprint for implementing similar interventions with a focus on recovery and social inclusion among people with mental ill-health across diverse settings. Trial registration: ISRCTN26008944 (Registration Date: 30/10/2019). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To adapt an evidence-based psychological intervention for pregnant women experiencing depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Ethiopia. We conducted a desk review of contextual factors in Sodo, Ethiopia, followed by qualitative interviews with 16 pregnant women and 12 antenatal care (ANC) providers. We engaged stakeholders through participatory theory of change (ToC) workshops, to select the intervention and articulate a programme theory. We used "ADAPT" guidance to adapt the intervention to the context, before mapping potential harms in a "dark logic model". Brief problem-solving therapy developed for South Africa was the most contextually relevant model. We adapted the delivery format (participants prioritised confidentiality and brevity) and training and supervision (addressing IPV). Consensus long-term outcomes in our ToC were ANC providers skilled in detecting and responding to emotional difficulties and IPV, women receiving appropriate support, and emotional difficulties improving. Our dark logic model highlighted the risk of more severe IPV and mental health symptoms not being referred appropriately. Although intervention adaptation is recommended, the process is rarely reported in depth. We comprehensively describe how contextual considerations, stakeholder engagement, programme theory, and adaptation can tailor psychological interventions for the target population in a low-income, rural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human‐wildlife coexistence as a concept and management objective has received increasing attention from researchers and decision makers. The coexistence approach will benefit from the recognition that, at broader scales, human‐wildlife interactions (HWI) are best understood and managed collaboratively and as complex systems, that is, dynamic, non‐linear, emergent, adaptive and, therefore, unpredictable. We present a planning process for human‐wildlife coexistence that provides a platform for collaboration between researchers and decision‐makers—and other stakeholders as well—and recognizes the complex nature of HWI. The three elements that define the process are: coexistence instead of conservation or conflict mitigation as a goal, systems thinking as the approach, and an emphasis on verifiable results rather than actions. As a way of illustration, we describe a 3‐day planning workshop for human‐jaguar coexistence in the Pantanal, Brazil. The 15 participants representing the academic, governmental, and non‐profit sectors identified 12 interactions directly involving 27 stakeholders and indirectly another 55. A theory of change was produced, connecting 20 actions—to be performed by 22 actors—with the 57 factors that directly and indirectly drive the interactions. How these results complement other approaches such as Action Plans is discussed. The proposed approach favors the pragmatism of adaptive co‐management over the often unrealistic expectation of a linear path to solution, or in other words, a shift from the notion of human‐wildlife coexistence as a quantifiable target to that of coexistence as a desired system state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the application of robust experimental research methodologies that help to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of the Theory of Change, for which training programs and/or matching grants improve job creation in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs and SMEs). The literature on both interventions, such as training and matching grants, recognizes methodological flaws that hamper achieving enough statistical evidence to test the aforementioned Theory of Change. A better understanding of the interventions and the mechanisms to create jobs has become critical to ensure the resurgence of the global economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and to face the threat of the upcoming industrial revolution. This paper proposes seven methodological meliorations in impact evaluation that will help to set improvements alongside the full process of a project: designing superior policies and programs, implementing projects, supporting the finer assessment of interventions, and establishing the subsequent advancement of science in testing solutions for job creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, The Open University in Wales launched a series of online induction events for new students, aiming to develop students' sense of belonging, provide an effective transition to the university, and ultimately, to support students to succeed. A theory of change (ToC) model informed the design and evaluation of the induction events. This article presents the initial evaluation, using qualitative and quantitative data to test the assumptions underpinning the ToC and explore questions such as: are online induction events effective for developing a sense of belonging? Which students attended the events? What do we know about the subsequent academic performance of students who attended compared to those who did not? The results suggest that well-designed online induction events can effectively foster a sense of belonging among students. However, when examining factors such as socio-demographic characteristics, certain groups of students appear less likely to participate. The authors emphasise the importance of using data to develop awareness of potential systemic barriers to engagement, and using these insights to remove barriers, address the specific needs of diverse student populations, and foster a more supportive and inclusive educational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A theory of change is a prediction about desired outcomes and the actions that may prompt them. Research on educational change suggests that explicit theories of change are essential for effectively engaging in academic change work. While many centers for teaching and learning (CTL) express aims around organizational change, a recent study was not able to identify any theories of change made public in annual reports or websites. Therefore, we outline an adaptable process for other CTLs to discuss and make explicit their own theories of change. This process involves four steps, moving across scale of a CTL (large group, small group, and individual). We offer recommendations for other types of CTLs, such as "centers of one," to develop a theory of change and theorize about current and potential utility of a theory of change for a CTL's work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]