📚 Overview of Module

Module 4 of the Effective Thesis Curriculum builds on the foundational work of Modules 1–3, which focused on problem identification, root cause and bottleneck analysis, stakeholder mapping, and the development of a Theory of Change (ToC). In this module, students translate these analytical insights into a concrete and actionable thesis project.

The module emphasizes reverse-engineering a thesis from the ToC, transforming high-level impact pathways into specific research questions, tangible outputs, and strategic stakeholder engagement. Students will also prepare for stakeholder and expert interviews to validate assumptions, uncover additional bottlenecks, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

🧠 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

1. Translate their Theory of Change into a concrete thesis project: Identify key outputs, research questions, and pathways to impact that link analytic insights to practical outcomes.
2. Map and engage key stakeholders: Identify relevant stakeholders across categories, such as beneficiaries, implementers, policymakers, knowledge producers, and advocates, and plan engagement strategies.
3. Prepare for and conduct stakeholder interviews: Design interviews to test assumptions, validate the ToC, and uncover opportunities for collaboration or co-development.

📗 Module Content

1. Reverse Engineering Your Thesis from Your ToC

2. Stakeholder Interviews

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1CP7JQ3nP88v3vDhU3OpSF0-MVJj9Ym2PDbyVfdzbVlw/edit?usp=sharing