From Theory to Action: Enhancing Public Policy Evaluations through TBE Approach
Workshop | Online
-
Organized by:
Econometría Consultores
About the Event
This virtual workshop aims to strengthen participants' capabilities in applying Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) to enhance the understanding of the impact of programs, policies, and implementations. Through a practical methodology, participants will explore the fundamentals of TBE, its usefulness in evaluating interventions, and designing theory of change models to facilitate causal analysis.
The event will foster debate among participants based on analyzing a project's theory of change. Attendees are expected to reconstruct this theory and become acquainted with evaluation examples where Econometría Consultores SAS has applied the TBE approach.
The event will take place in five stages.
1. Theoretical exposition on the fundamentals of TBE.
2. Work in breakout rooms to reconstruct a theory of change. Participants will be divided into 2 or 3 groups, depending on the number of attendees, to analyze a project's theory of change, reconstruct it, and formulate intervention hypotheses.
3. Presentation of hypotheses developed by each group and discussion about the exercise carried out.
4. Presentation of the project by Econometría Consultores SAS, explaining its development and application of TBE.
5. Final discussion on the use and limitations of TBE, followed by the event closure.
Expected Outcomes:
• Expand the understanding of Theory-Based Evaluation as a method for public policy evaluation.
• Identify limitations and best practices for its implementation.
• Develop skills to analyze theories of change and value chains and methodologically use them in evaluating interventions.
• Promote the creation of a learning community about TBE.
The event will foster debate among participants based on analyzing a project's theory of change. Attendees are expected to reconstruct this theory and become acquainted with evaluation examples where Econometría Consultores SAS has applied the TBE approach.
The event will take place in five stages.
1. Theoretical exposition on the fundamentals of TBE.
2. Work in breakout rooms to reconstruct a theory of change. Participants will be divided into 2 or 3 groups, depending on the number of attendees, to analyze a project's theory of change, reconstruct it, and formulate intervention hypotheses.
3. Presentation of hypotheses developed by each group and discussion about the exercise carried out.
4. Presentation of the project by Econometría Consultores SAS, explaining its development and application of TBE.
5. Final discussion on the use and limitations of TBE, followed by the event closure.
Expected Outcomes:
• Expand the understanding of Theory-Based Evaluation as a method for public policy evaluation.
• Identify limitations and best practices for its implementation.
• Develop skills to analyze theories of change and value chains and methodologically use them in evaluating interventions.
• Promote the creation of a learning community about TBE.
Speakers
| Name | Title | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Julio Gómez | Project Coordinator | A Political Science and International Relations Major, with a Master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland and a specialization in Econometrics from Universidad Externado of Colombia. Expertise in designing and evaluating public policies using mixed methods approach. |
| Daniel López | Project Consultant | A political scientist from the Universidad Nacional of Colombia and master's degree in Administration and Public Policy from the CIDE. Experience in developing studies and analysis in public policy. Experience in consulting processes for public entities and international organizations. |
| Carolina Suarez | Technical Manager – Director of Projects | A Political Scientist from the Universidad del Rosario, with a Master's in Public Administration and Public Policy from the TEC de Monterrey. Experience in evaluations in projects on childhood and adolescence, armed conflict, civil service, and gender, and has worked on strengthening M&E. |
Summary
The workshop on Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) enabled participants to deepen their conceptual and practical understanding of this approach as a tool for analyzing and improving public policies. Through guided sessions and a practical exercise using a dimension of the Vision Amazonia program in Colombia, the group explored how to construct theories of change, identify assumptions, and clarify causal mechanisms. TBE was presented as a rigorous alternative to black-box evaluations, offering a structured and explicit way to explain how, why, for whom, and under what conditions interventions work. The methodology’s strength lies in supporting adaptive learning and informed decision-making, particularly in complex and dynamic policy environments.
As a follow-up to the workshop, we will share the presentation materials via email with all individuals who registered, including those who were unable to attend. In addition, we will establish a communication channel to maintain contact with participants and registrants, ensuring ongoing access to resources and support. The organizing team will remain available to respond to any questions or requests related to the session. This open line of communication aims to foster continued exchange, address technical inquiries, and support future applications of Theory-Based Evaluation in participants’ respective contexts.
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