The digital age has opened up a floodgate of data, from social media metrics to user engagement logs, offering an unprecedented opportunity for nuanced monitoring and evaluation. However, relying solely on these quantitative streams can lead to a shallow understanding of program impact. This training course is designed to empower M&E professionals to master mixed-methods in digital environments, seamlessly blending big data with human stories. Participants will learn how to strategically combine quantitative insights from digital platforms with rich qualitative data from virtual interviews and online focus groups, thereby providing a more comprehensive, credible, and context-aware picture of a project's performance.

This comprehensive program provides a practical, hands-on roadmap for designing and implementing M&E frameworks that are uniquely suited to the digital landscape. Participants will gain skills in leveraging digital tools for both quantitative and qualitative data collection, integrating disparate data sources, and using advanced analytics to triangulate findings and strengthen their conclusions. The course is a strategic investment for organizations seeking to enhance the rigor and depth of their evaluations, ensuring their work is a force for positive change in a world that needs it most.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• M&E Specialists
• Data Analysts
• Program and Project Managers
• Researchers
• Social Scientists
• Digital Communications Managers
• Civil Society Leaders
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Consultants
• Strategic Planners

Objectives:

• Understand the core principles of mixed-methods research.
• Master the process of designing a mixed-methods framework for a digital project.
• Learn how to select and use a variety of digital data collection tools.
• Develop a framework for integrating quantitative and qualitative data.
• Build a more participatory and inclusive approach to monitoring.
• Communicate findings from a mixed-methods analysis to different audiences.
• Ensure ethical considerations and safety protocols in data collection.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptive management.
• Apply mixed-methods techniques to a wide range of sectors.
• Enhance the long-term credibility and effectiveness of projects.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Mixed-Methods in M&E

• The limitations of traditional, mono-method M&E
• Defining mixed-methods research and its purpose
• The business case for a mixed-methods approach
• An overview of the mixed-methods workflow
• The difference between a real-time evaluation and a traditional evaluation

Module 2: Foundational Concepts for Digital Environments

• The importance of a clear and focused research question
• Understanding the context and its impact on the project
• The role of a program's theory of change
• The importance of a clear and testable hypothesis
• An overview of the data-to-dashboard workflow

Module 3: Designing a Mixed-Methods Framework

• The importance of a clear and focused framework
• The role of a "sequential" and a "concurrent" design
• Integrating a gender and social inclusion analysis
• The importance of a "risk and mitigation" plan
• Case studies on effective framework design

Module 4: Digital Quantitative Data

• The importance of a digital survey platform (e.g., SurveyMonkey)
• The use of a simple survey and a focus group discussion
• The role of a "social mapping" and a "trend analysis"
• The use of a simple survey and a focus group discussion
• Practical labs on a basic data collection tool

Module 5: Digital Qualitative Data

• The importance of a clear and secure data collection protocol
• The use of a virtual interview and a focus group discussion
• The role of a "social media analysis" and a "web content analysis"
• The use of a simple survey and a focus group discussion
• Protocols for handling sensitive and confidential data

Module 6: Geospatial Tools for M&E

• The use of GIS for mapping and visualization
• The role of satellite imagery in tracking projects
• Using drones for rapid post-project assessments
• Integrating geospatial data with other M&E data sources
• Practical labs on using GIS for M&E

Module 7: Data Integration and Analysis

• The importance of a clear data analysis plan
• Using simple statistical analysis for quantitative data
• The role of qualitative data analysis methods
• Interpreting findings from a mixed-methods perspective
• The importance of data triangulation

Module 8: The Art of Storytelling with Data

• The difference between a simple visual and a data story
• The importance of a clear and compelling narrative
• Using dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights
• The role of a "data story map"
• Practical labs on building a data story

Module 9: M&E for a Diverse Audience

• The importance of knowing your audience
• The role of a "stakeholder analysis"
• Designing reports and dashboards for non-technical audiences
• The importance of accessibility and inclusivity
• Case studies on communicating with different audiences

Module 10: Mainstreaming Mixed-Methods

• How to integrate mixed-methods into the project cycle
• The importance of a phased implementation strategy
• The role of mixed-methods in the project cycle
• Building a culture of adaptive management
• Case studies on successful integration

Module 11: M&E for a Diverse Sector

• M&E for a technology project
• M&E for a social enterprise
• M&E for a humanitarian project
• M&E for a climate action project
• M&E for a governance project

Module 12: The Role of the M&E Professional

• Shifting from a technician to a facilitator
• The skills required for a mixed-methods M&E professional
• Managing power dynamics and group conflicts
• The importance of a non-judgmental and empathetic approach
• The ethical responsibilities of the M&E professional

Module 13: The Future of Mixed-Methods

• The role of AI and machine learning in automated analysis
• The potential of blockchain for data integrity
• The use of new data sources (e.g., social media)
• The rise of complexity-aware M&E
• The long-term implications for the sector

Module 14: Practical Application and Simulation

• A hands-on simulation of a real-world project
• Participants work in teams to design a mixed-methods framework
• Troubleshooting common challenges in data collection
• Analyzing and interpreting a set of data
• Peer review and feedback sessions on framework design

Module 15: Building Your Roadmap

• Creating a customized plan for a new project
• Identifying key stakeholders and securing buy-in
• Developing a phased implementation strategy
• Measuring the ROI and business impact of the investment
• Final Q&A and course wrap-up

Module 16: The Role of a Data Team

• The importance of a cross-functional team
• The role of a data scientist, a data analyst, and an M&E specialist
• The importance of a clear and consistent reporting style
• The long-term implications for the organization
• The importance of a "data" framework

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 10 working days before commencement of the training.