The Project Appraisals and Impact Evaluations Course is an intensive 10-day program designed to equip participants with the essential skills to conduct effective project appraisals and impact evaluations. This course focuses on the fundamental concepts, methodologies, and techniques used in assessing the feasibility and impact of development projects. Participants will gain the necessary expertise to critically evaluate project proposals, design comprehensive evaluation frameworks, and apply the right evaluation methods to measure outcomes and impacts.
Whether you are involved in project management, monitoring and evaluation, or program implementation, this course offers the knowledge and practical skills to improve the effectiveness of development initiatives. By the end of the course, participants will be prepared to assess both the viability and long-term effects of projects, ensuring better decision-making and stronger project designs.
Course Objectives
- Gain a solid understanding of the principles behind project appraisals and impact evaluations.
- Learn the processes involved in conducting project appraisals, including feasibility analysis and risk assessment.
- Develop proficiency in designing robust impact evaluation frameworks and selecting appropriate evaluation methods.
- Acquire hands-on skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation for comprehensive evaluations.
- Understand the ethical challenges and considerations involved in project evaluations.
- Explore techniques to evaluate the sustainability, scalability, and replicability of development projects.
- Utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods for effective project appraisals.
- Apply evaluation results to improve project designs and inform better decision-making.
- Enhance skills in reporting and communicating evaluation outcomes to diverse stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration among participants to share best practices in project evaluation.
Organization Benefits
- Increased capacity to carry out rigorous, evidence-based project appraisals.
- Improved ability to measure project outcomes and impacts through effective evaluations.
- Greater efficiency in evaluating project sustainability and scalability.
- Improved decision-making based on robust evaluation findings.
- Strengthened project design and management practices using evaluation insights.
- Enhanced ability to communicate evaluation results effectively to stakeholders.
- Improved organizational learning and adaptive management based on evaluation feedback.
- Better alignment with donor and funder requirements for project evaluations.
- Boosted credibility through rigorous, well-documented evaluation processes.
- Continuous improvement of project effectiveness through evidence-driven insights.
Who Should Attend
This course is ideal for professionals in the following roles:
- Project Managers
- Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
- Program Officers
- Development Practitioners
- Government Officials
- NGO Staff
- Researchers
- Consultants
- Professionals seeking to enhance their skills in project appraisals and impact evaluations
Course Duration
10 Days
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Project Appraisals and Impact Evaluations
- Overview of project appraisals and impact evaluations.
- The role of evaluations in improving project outcomes and decision-making.
Module 2: The Project Appraisal Process
- Conducting feasibility studies and project identification.
- Risk assessment techniques in project appraisals.
Module 3: Designing Impact Evaluation Frameworks
- Creating well-defined evaluation questions and objectives.
- Choosing the right evaluation designs for different project types.
Module 4: Quantitative Data Collection Methods
- Using surveys and questionnaires for data collection.
- Determining sampling techniques and appropriate sample sizes.
Module 5: Qualitative Data Collection Methods
- Conducting interviews and focus group discussions.
- Analyzing documents and observational data for evaluations.
Module 6: Data Analysis for Impact Evaluations
- Preparing and cleaning data for analysis.
- Applying statistical methods to analyze project impacts.
Module 7: Qualitative Data Analysis
- Techniques for coding and categorizing qualitative data.
- Utilizing thematic analysis for qualitative research.
Module 8: Ethical Considerations
- Ensuring ethical standards such as confidentiality and informed consent.
- Understanding the ethical guidelines for evaluations.
Module 9: Evaluating Sustainability and Scalability
- Assessing long-term project viability and effectiveness.
- Strategies for scaling successful projects.
Module 10: Cost-effectiveness Analysis
- Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of development projects.
- Using cost-benefit and cost-utility analyses in evaluations.
Module 11: Experimental and Quasi-experimental Designs
- Understanding randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and their application.
- Exploring difference-in-differences and regression discontinuity designs.
Module 12: Case Study Evaluation
- Evaluating projects through case study methods.
- Understanding the strengths and limitations of case study evaluations.
Module 13: Evaluating Gender and Social Inclusion
- Approaches for gender-responsive evaluations.
- Ensuring social inclusion and equity in impact evaluations.
Module 14: Theory of Change and Logic Models
- Developing a theory of change for evaluation frameworks.
- Using logic models to guide project evaluations.
Module 15: Impact Evaluation Reporting
- Effective strategies for reporting evaluation findings.
- Utilizing data visualization tools for clearer communication of results.
Module 16: Utilizing Evaluation Findings
- Integrating evaluation results into project decision-making.
- Applying evaluation feedback for ongoing project improvement.
Module 17: Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
- Conducting meta-analyses of evaluation studies.
- Performing systematic reviews of project appraisals.
Module 18: Participatory Approaches
- Incorporating participatory techniques in data collection.
- Engaging stakeholders in the evaluation process.
Module 19: Evaluating Policy and Program Impacts
- Evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs.
- Assessing the efficiency of policy-driven projects.
Module 20: Evaluating in Fragile Contexts
- Challenges of evaluating projects in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
- Applying conflict-sensitive evaluation methods.
Module 21: SDGs Impact Evaluation
- Assessing the progress of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Integrating SDGs into project appraisals and evaluations.
Module 22: Evaluating Innovations
- Evaluating the impact of innovative projects and pilot initiatives.
- Measuring scalability of innovative solutions.
Module 23: Social Impact and Community Development
- Assessing the social impact of community development projects.
- Using participatory evaluation approaches for community-based projects.
Module 24: Realist Evaluation
- Principles and methodologies of realist evaluation.
- Using realist approaches in project evaluations.
Module 25: Environmental and Climate Change Projects
- Evaluating environmental impact in development projects.
- Assessing climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
Module 26: Health and Education Projects
- Evaluating impact in health and education sectors.
- Assessing outcomes in public health and education projects.
Module 27: Agricultural and Rural Development Projects
- Evaluating agricultural interventions and rural development programs.
- Impact on food security and livelihoods.
Module 28: Infrastructure and Urban Development
- Assessing the impact of infrastructure and urban development projects.
- Evaluating economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
Module 29: Private Sector and Entrepreneurship Projects
- Evaluating the effectiveness of private sector and entrepreneurship initiatives.
- Measuring economic growth and business development outcomes.
Module 30: Humanitarian and Emergency Response Projects
- Evaluating the effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.
- Assessing impact in post-disaster and emergency response contexts.
General Notes
- All our courses can be tailored to meet specific needs of participants.
- Participants must be proficient in English.
- Our courses feature practical exercises, group discussions, and online tutorials, facilitated by experienced professionals.
- Upon course completion, participants receive a certificate from Stepsure Training And Research Institute.
- Training is offered both in-house and online, according to the client’s schedule.
- The course duration is flexible, with content tailored to fit varying timeframes.
- The course fee includes facilitation, training materials, coffee breaks, buffet lunch, and certificate. Participants are responsible for travel, insurance, visa arrangements, and other personal expenses.
- Discounts are available for groups of two or more participants.
- For inquiries, please contact us at info@stepsureresearchinstitute.org or +254 723 482 495.
- Website: www.stepsureresearchinstitute.org
