Although TOCO software program let you create a Theory of Change diagram, it won’t create the theory of change model for you. You nonetheless want to determine what gadgets to vicinity within side the diagram, how they relate to every different and what the underlying assumptions are. This takes cautious vital thinking, and plenty of practice.
Because of this, TOCO is a beneficial resource for a person who has preceding revel in growing Theories of Change; however it doesn’t assist a person who’s growing their first idea. The internet site does consist of one guided instance for “newbie’s” however it’d be higher if the software program blanketed a “Theory of Change Wizard” that would stroll you via the system step-with the aid of using-step, giving examples alongside the way. At least then you can make certain you had long gone via the approaches thoroughly.
Another quandary of TOCO is that you could simplest use packing containers and arrows within side the diagram. A current DFID evaluation recommends being greater innovative and bendy with Theory of Change diagrams, bearing in mind matters which includes cycles and remarks loops that are regularly gift within side the actual world. This makes representing complex Theories of Change hard the use of TOCO.
The backside line
TOCO, and comparable merchandise which includes do View, can assist hold your Theory of Change diagram neat and tidy. However, the use of everyday workplace software program to create diagrams is simply as easy, and greater bendy.
TOCO is beneficial whilst:
- You already recognize a way to create a Theory of Change.
- You need to hold your Theory of Change diagram neat and tidy.
- You don’t need to create float charts and diagrams the use of everyday workplace software program.
- Your Theory of Change is easy and may be represented with simplest squares and arrows.
- The donor has now no longer targeted what your Theory of Change wishes to appearance like.
- You have a web connection.
TOCO is not beneficial whilst:
- You don’t recognize what a Theory of Change is, or a way to determine which packing containers and arrows need to move where.
- You are glad to create float charts and diagram the use of everyday workplace software program.
- Your Theory of Change is complicated and can’t be represented with simplest squares and arrows.
- The donor has targeted what your Theory of Change wishes to appearance like (wherein case uses their template).
- You don’t have a web connection.
