Impact Evaluation for Evidence- Based Policy in Development course

Course Objectives:

The primary objective of this course is to foster a deep understanding of impact evaluation methodologies and their application in the context of development policy. Participants will gain proficiency in designing, conducting, and interpreting impact evaluations, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and optimize resource allocation for development projects. By the end of this course, you will:

Master Impact Evaluation Techniques: Develop a comprehensive understanding of various impact evaluation methods, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, and observational studies.

Apply Evidence-Based Policy: Learn how to use rigorous impact evaluation results to shape evidence-based policy decisions that drive social and economic development.

Enhance Organizational Capacity: Strengthen your organization’s capacity to design, implement, and monitor development programs, ensuring they have a meaningful impact on target populations.

Benefits for Organizations:

Participation in this course offers numerous benefits to organizations engaged in development work. By sending their staff to undertake this training, organizations can:

Improve Decision-Making: Equip their teams with the skills to make data-driven decisions, leading to more effective development programs and better resource allocation.

Enhance Project Impact: Increase the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes and maximizing the impact of development projects by employing rigorous impact evaluation techniques.

Strengthen Partnerships: Build credibility and trust among stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based decision-making and transparent reporting.

Target Participants:

This course is tailored to a diverse audience, including but not limited to:

Government officials and policymakers responsible for designing and implementing development programs.

Researchers and analysts seeking to enhance their expertise in impact evaluation.

Non-governmental organization (NGO) professionals engaged in development initiatives.

International development practitioners striving to enhance the effectiveness of their projects.

Graduate students and academics interested in the intersection of policy and development.

Course Outline:

Module 1: Introduction to Impact Evaluation

1.1 Understanding Development Policy and Its Challenges
1.2 The Role of Impact Evaluation in Development

Module 2: Foundations of Impact Evaluation

2.1 Causality and Counterfactuals
2.2 Key Concepts in Impact Evaluation

Module 3: Research Design

3.1 Experimental vs. Non-Experimental Designs
3.2 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
3.3 Quasi-Experimental Designs

Module 4: Data Collection and Measurement

4.1 Survey Design and Questionnaire Development
4.2 Data Sources and Collection Methods
4.3 Data Quality Assurance

Module 5: Sampling Techniques

5.1 Probability Sampling
5.2 Non-Probability Sampling
5.3 Sample Size Determination

Module 6: Ethical Considerations in Impact Evaluation

6.1 Ethics in Human Subjects Research
6.2 Informed Consent and Privacy
6.3 Ethical Challenges in the Field

Module 7: Data Management and Analysis

7.1 Data Entry and Cleaning
7.2 Descriptive Analysis
7.3 Inferential Statistical Analysis

Module 8: Quantitative Methods for Impact Evaluation

8.1 Regression Analysis
8.2 Difference-in-Differences (DID)
8.3 Propensity Score Matching

Module 9: Qualitative Methods for Impact Evaluation

9.1 Qualitative Data Collection Techniques
9.2 Content Analysis and Coding
9.3 Qualitative Data Interpretation

Module 10: Instrumental Variables and Regression Discontinuity Design

10.1 IV Estimation
10.2 Regression Discontinuity Design
10.3 Applications in Impact Evaluation

Module 11: Data Visualization and Interpretation

11.1 Graphical Presentation of Data
11.2 Interpreting Impact Evaluation Results
11.3 Communicating Findings

Module 12: Cost-Benefit Analysis

12.1 Introduction to Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)
12.2 Conducting a CBA
12.3 Decision Rules for CBA

Module 13: Evaluating Social and Behavioral Interventions

13.1 Challenges in Evaluating Social Programs
13.2 Behavioral Economics in Impact Evaluation
13.3 Measuring Social Impact

Module 14: Case Studies in Impact Evaluation

14.1 Real-World Impact Evaluation Examples
14.2 Lessons Learned from Case Studies
14.3 Best Practices

Module 15: Using Impact Evaluation in Policy Formulation

15.1 Policy Evaluation Frameworks
15.2 Policy Recommendations from Impact Evaluations
15.3 Influencing Policy Decisions

Module 16: Impact Evaluation in the Field: Challenges and Solutions

16.1 Fieldwork Challenges and Solutions
16.2 Managing Field Teams
16.3 Adapting to Local Contexts

Module 17: Building Partnerships for Impact Evaluation

17.1 Collaborating with Stakeholders
17.2 Funding and Resource Mobilization
17.3 Public-Private Partnerships

Module 18: Communicating Impact Findings Effectively

18.1 Data Visualization for Impact
18.2 Storytelling and Advocacy
18.3 Disseminating Results

Module 19: Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks for Development Programs

19.1 M&E Fundamentals
19.2 Designing M&E Systems
19.3 Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Module 20: Impact Evaluation in Humanitarian Settings

20.1 Challenges in Humanitarian Impact Evaluation
20.2 Rapid Assessments and Data Collection
20.3 Lessons from Humanitarian Crises

Module 21: Advanced Topics in Impact Evaluation

21.1 Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews
21.2 Impact Evaluation in Health and Education
21.3 Behavioral Insights and Nudges

Module 22: Capstone Project: Designing and Implementing an Impact Evaluation

22.1 Project Proposal Development
22.2 Data Collection and Analysis
22.3 Final Report and Presentation

General Notes

All our courses can be tailored to participants’ needs.

The participant must be conversant in English.

Presentations include practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and group work. Our facilitators are experts with more than 10 years of experience.

Upon completion of training, the participant will be issued a Stepsure Training And Research Institute certificate.

Training will be done at the Stepsure Training And Research Institute centers. We also offer in-house and online training on the client schedule.

Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

The course fee for onsite training includes facilitation, training materials, 2 coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of successful completion. Participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses and arrangements, airport transfers, visa application, dinners, health/accident insurance, and other personal expenses.

Accommodation, pickup, freight booking, and Visa processing arrangement are available on request, at discounted prices.

Tablet and Laptops are provided to participants on request as an add-on cost to the training fee.

One-year free consultation and coaching provided after the course.

Payment should be done before the commencement of training or as agreed by the parties, to the Stepsure Training and Research Institute account, to prepare better for you.

For any inquiries, reach us at

info@stepsureresearchinstitute.org or

+254 723 482 495

Website: www.stepsureresearchinstitute.org