Theory of Change
TOC uses backwards mapping requiring planners to think in steps leading backwards from the impact goal to the outcomes and then the outputs and near-term changes that would be required to cause the desired change. This set of connected building blocks–interchangeably referred to as outcomes, results, accomplishments, or preconditions is depicted on a map known as a “pathway of change” or a “change framework”, which is a graphic representation of the change process.
See also the Center for Theory of Change.