Designing research with impact using the Theory of Change approach – 2024

Aims and objectives

The aim of this course is for the students to learn how to apply the Theory of Change (ToC) approach that will allow them to plan for impact in research projects and help them analyze and describe potential impact of research.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• Apply the Theory of Change (ToC) framework to design, plan, manage, and revise research projects for increased impact and relevance.

Entry requirements

The course is freely available to PhD students and postdocs, and in some instances teaching staff, from universities in the Global Challenges University Alliance (GCUA 2030). Students from other universities may also potentially join, subject to the course fee and availabilty of places.

 Course content

Translating research into action is important for achieving the SDGs. This course will cover aspects on how scientific knowledge can be translated into action by using the concept of Theory of Change (ToC), and principles for tracking research impact. PhD students will apply the ToC framework using select case studies (or their own research projects) to learn how to design, plan, manage, and revise research projects for increased impact and relevance.

Teaching format

This 100% online course will be delivered with the use of a Learning Management System (Canvas) and Zoom as a communication system. Teaching and learning activities will include synchronous and asynchronous activities for example online meetings, pre-recorded lectures, individual and group assignments, group discussions, independent study and case studies.

Timetable

The course will be given over 4 weeks in total, from 20 November to 19 December 2024 , with 25% study pace. This course is equivalent to 5 days of full-time studies. Synchronous meetings of the course will be held for 1-2 hours on 21 November and 5 December. 

Examination

This course will be graded Pass or Fail.

In order to pass the course, participants will need to complete and hand in all individual and group assignments, including online peer-reviews, discussions, and reflections, as well as participate in scheduled synchronous meetings, when applicable.

Contact for further information

Katarina Borling (Course coordinator) – katarina.borling@slu.se

Paul Egan (Course coordinator) – paul.egan@slu.se