Theory of Change

In Wikipedia you see that a theory of change (ToC) “… explains the process of change by outlining causal linkages in an initiative, i.e., its shorter-term, intermediate, and longer-term outcomes. The identified changes are mapped – as the “outcomes pathway” – showing each outcome in logical relationship to all the others, as well as chronological flow. The links between outcomes are explained by “rationales” or statements of why one outcome is thought to be a prerequisite for another”.

You will find more here https://www.betterevaluation.org/lt/node/5280