Role of theories of change and programme logic models in policy evaluation

Abstract

This article assesses the contribution that theories of change and programme logic models can make to policy evaluation. The article starts by summarising the need for systematic evaluation to improve evidence-based policymaking. It then assesses the use of theories of change and the programme logic model in policy evaluation. It further highlights the important conceptual steps to be taken during the planning and implementation of a systematic policy evaluation project within the framework of the new South African National Performance Management System (NPMS).