Session 1: Using a theory of change in an Agile Sprint (online webinar)
Understand how to use a theory of change to frame your research project and deliver rapid policy-relevant change.

This is workshop is open to: Oxford University researchers planning to develop an Agile Sprint; Oxford University researchers working on other applied research projects who wish to learn how to use theory of change in research project design; previous Agile researchers wishing to review how the theory of change informed their work on an Agile Sprint for use in the future.

What will you get out of it? You do not need to have prior knowledge or experience of developing a theory of change.

By the end of this workshop, you will understand:
How a basic theory of change has been used with the initial Agile Sprints and the applicability of the approach to the design of rapid, policy-focused research
How a theory of change will help you scope your research goals, ensure applicability of research findings across a range of stakeholders, and define potential outcomes for the communities most affected by the research
How the theory of change will help you to plan and organise your research, and work through the interrelationships between work packages and how their integration will support planned impact.

“Working through the Theory of Change was a very helpful process. I already had a research timeline mapped out, but the ToC really helped clarify how the findings would be shared through specific outputs, and what these were intended to achieve. This is especially important for fast turnaround, impact-focussed research like the Agile Sprints: we hope the research will have a legacy beyond the Sprint itself, and having a clear Theory of Change helps demonstrate this longer-term ambition.”
-Dr John Lynch

Book your place on the workshop through the links provided. If you need to cancel your place, please do so no later than 48 hours before the workshop. By booking on this workshop, you have agreed to the externally facing use of the recording.

Participation: Please note you will be expected to actively participate, which includes joining discussion, listening, asking questions, and contributing to activities.
Date: 24 April 2024, 13:00 (Wednesday, 1st week, Trinity 2024)
Venue: Venue to be announced
Speakers: Dr Rachel Hayman (Agile Initiative, University of Oxford), Dr John Lynch (Biology, University of Oxford)
Organising department: Oxford Martin School
Organiser: Agile Initiative
Organiser contact email address: lucy.rodwell@oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk
Host: Agile Initiative
Part of: The Agile Initiative Research Planning workshop series (online)
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.agile-initiative.ox.ac.uk/events/event/using-a-theory-of-change-in-an-agile-sprint/
Audience: Members of the University only
Editor: Heather Stallard