Quantitative Methods For Impact Evaluation: Measuring What Matters Training Course

Introduction:

In today's world, it's not enough to implement programs or policies; we need to know if they actually work. This Quantitative Methods for Impact Evaluation training course equips you with the rigorous tools and techniques to measure the true impact of interventions. You'll learn how to design robust evaluations, collect and analyze data, and apply cutting-edge econometric methods to establish causality and measure program effectiveness. This course empowers you to generate evidence-based insights, inform policy decisions, and maximize the impact of your work.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals and researchers who need to evaluate the impact of programs, policies, and interventions. The target audience includes:

• Program managers and evaluators
• Policy analysts and researchers
• Development economists and practitioners
• Government officials and policymakers
• Researchers and PhD students in social sciences
• Anyone seeking to rigorously measure and understand impact

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this Quantitative Methods for Impact Evaluation training course, participants will be able to:

• Design rigorous impact evaluations using appropriate methodologies.
• Distinguish between correlation and causation in program evaluation.
• Master various impact evaluation methods, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, and non-experimental approaches.
• Apply econometric and statistical techniques to analyze evaluation data.
• Utilize statistical software (e.g., R or Stata) for data analysis and impact assessment.
• Interpret and communicate evaluation findings effectively.
• Understand the ethical considerations involved in impact evaluation.
• Assess the validity and reliability of impact evaluations.
• Contribute to evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.
• Improve the effectiveness of programs and interventions through rigorous evaluation.

Duration

10 Days

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Impact Evaluation

• What is impact evaluation? Defining program effectiveness and causality.
• Why conduct impact evaluations? Evidence-based policymaking and accountability.
• Key concepts: Treatment and control groups, counterfactuals, and attribution.
• Course overview: Structure, learning objectives, software tools (R or Stata), and assessment methods.

Module 2: Designing Impact Evaluations

• Formulating evaluation questions: Defining clear objectives and outcomes.
• Choosing the right evaluation design: Matching the design to the context and resources.
• Developing a theory of change: Mapping the causal pathway from intervention to outcomes.
• Sampling and power analysis: Determining sample size for adequate statistical power.

Module 3: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)

• Principles of RCTs: Random assignment, treatment and control groups.
• Randomization methods: Simple, stratified, and cluster randomization.
• Internal and external validity of RCTs.
• Ethical considerations in RCTs.

Module 4: Quasi-Experimental Designs I: Difference-in-Differences (DID)

• Difference-in-differences: Comparing changes over time between groups.
• The parallel trends assumption: A key assumption for DID validity.
• Estimating treatment effects using DID.
• Applications of DID in impact evaluation.

Module 5: Quasi-Experimental Designs II: Regression Discontinuity (RD)

• Regression discontinuity: Exploiting sharp changes in eligibility criteria.
• Sharp and fuzzy RD designs.
• Estimating treatment effects using RD.
• Applications of RD in impact evaluation.

Module 6: Quasi-Experimental Designs III: Instrumental Variables (IV)

• Instrumental variables: Addressing endogeneity issues.
• Finding valid instruments: Relevance and exogeneity.
• Two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation.
• Applications of IV in impact evaluation.

Module 7: Matching Methods

• Matching treatment and control units: Balancing observed characteristics.
• Propensity score matching: Estimating the probability of treatment.
• Other matching techniques: Nearest neighbor matching, caliper matching.
• Evaluating the quality of matching.

Module 8: Non-Experimental Designs

• Before-and-after comparisons: Limitations and challenges.
• Regression-based approaches: Controlling for confounding variables.
• Panel data methods: Fixed and random effects models.
• When to use non-experimental designs.

Module 9: Data Collection and Measurement

• Data sources: Surveys, administrative data, qualitative data.
• Designing questionnaires and data collection instruments.
• Data quality and validation.
• Ethical considerations in data collection.

Module 10: Data Analysis and Statistical Techniques

• Descriptive statistics: Summarizing and visualizing data.
• Regression analysis: Estimating treatment effects.
• Hypothesis testing: Testing the significance of findings.
• Statistical software: Using R or Stata for data analysis.

Module 11: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

• Cost-benefit analysis: Comparing the costs and benefits of a program.
• Cost-effectiveness analysis: Comparing the cost per unit of outcome.
• Using evaluation data for cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Module 12: Reporting and Communicating Evaluation Findings

• Writing effective evaluation reports: Clear and concise communication.
• Visualizing evaluation data: Charts, graphs, and maps.
• Communicating findings to different audiences: Policymakers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Dissemination strategies: Sharing evaluation results widely.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.