Module 1 of 2
Building Foundation
Before you can design effective interventions, you need to understand the problem deeply, know your stakeholders, and develop a clear theory of how change happens. This module provides the foundational tools for evidence-based project design.
What You'll Accomplish
By the end of this module, you'll have:
- A comprehensive Problem Tree identifying root causes and effects
- A Stakeholder Map with engagement strategies
- Synthesized insights from community engagement and research
- A Theory of Change articulating your pathway to impact
Time Commitment
Format: Video lessons + hands-on exercises + downloadable templates
Learning Journey
Problem Tree Analysis
Uncover root causes and effects using visual problem analysis. Learn AI-assisted desk review with Model Context Protocol to accelerate research while maintaining community validation.
Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement
Identify who influences and is affected by the problem. Use Power-Interest Analysis to design engagement strategies that build authentic partnerships.
Synthesize Data
Transform stakeholder insights and research findings into actionable patterns using Affinity Diagrams. Integrate community voices with desk review data.
Theory of Change
Articulate your pathway from problem to solution. Develop a Theory of Change that connects activities to outcomes to impact, incorporating community insights and assumptions.
What You'll Need
- Time: Set aside 1-1.5 hours per lesson for focused learning
- Materials: Notebook or digital note-taking tool
- Templates: Downloadable Excel/Word templates (provided in each lesson)
- Community Access: Ability to engage with stakeholders (can be virtual)
- Optional: Access to AI tools for desk review (MCP setup guide in Lesson 1.1)
Tips for Success
- Work with a Real Project: Apply lessons to an actual challenge you're facing
- Engage Stakeholders Early: Don't work in isolation—involve community voices from Lesson 1.2 onward
- Iterate: Your Problem Tree and Theory of Change will evolve as you learn more
- Use Quality Checklists: Self-assess your work using the standards provided in each lesson
- Download Templates: Don't recreate the wheel—adapt our templates to your context
Share Your Module 1 Experience
Your feedback shapes future lessons. What worked? What could be better?
%%{init: {'theme':'base', 'themeVariables': {
'primaryColor':'#D9F99D',
'primaryTextColor':'#2A2A2A',
'primaryBorderColor':'#72B043',
'secondaryColor':'#FEF3C7',
'secondaryTextColor':'#2A2A2A',
'secondaryBorderColor':'#F8CC1B',
'tertiaryColor':'#FED7AA',
'tertiaryTextColor':'#2A2A2A',
'tertiaryBorderColor':'#F37324',
'lineColor':'#72B043',
'fontSize':'16px',
'fontFamily':'Inter, sans-serif'
}}}%%
mindmap
root((Your Module 1<br/>Experience))
What Worked<br/>Well
What Could Be<br/>Better
Topics You<br/>Need Next
How We Can<br/>Help You
Your module completion feedback helps us create better lessons
What Should Come Next?
Share what project design challenges you face and what topics would help you succeed.
Request Received
Error
After Building Foundation
Once you've completed Module 1, you'll have a solid foundation for project design. Module 2 (Operationalize) will teach you to transform your Theory of Change into actionable plans with logframes, activity design, proposals, and budgets.