Course Details

Outcome & Impact Evaluation Techniques Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for designing and conducting robust outcome and impact evaluations. Recognizing that understanding the real-world effects and long-term changes brought about by interventions is crucial for accountability, learning, and future investment, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of various evaluation approaches, methodologies, and analytical techniques. Participants will gain deep insights into attribution, contribution analysis, counterfactual thinking, and ethical considerations, all crucial for generating credible evidence of what works, for whom, and why. This course is ideal for M&E specialists, program managers, researchers, development professionals, and funders committed to evidence-based policy and practice.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in assessing the effectiveness and broader effects of programs, policies, and projects, including:

• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists.
• Program and Project Managers.
• Researchers and Academics.
• Development and Humanitarian Practitioners.
• Funders and Grant Managers.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts of outcome and impact evaluation.
• Differentiate between various evaluation designs and their suitability.
• Apply techniques for establishing causality and assessing contribution.
• Plan and manage an outcome or impact evaluation effectively.
• Utilize evaluation findings for organizational learning and improved programming.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Outcome and Impact Evaluation

• Define outcome evaluation vs. impact evaluation and their distinct purposes.
• Explore the importance of evaluating effectiveness and long-term change.
• Understand the challenges of attribution and contribution in complex interventions.
• Discuss the role of a Theory of Change or Logical Framework in guiding evaluation.
• Examine ethical considerations in conducting evaluations, particularly regarding beneficiaries.

Module 2: Evaluation Planning and Design

• Learn the key steps in planning an outcome or impact evaluation.
• Understand how to formulate clear and evaluable evaluation questions.
• Discuss the selection of appropriate evaluation designs based on context and resources.
• Explore the development of a comprehensive evaluation matrix.
• Examine stakeholder engagement and management throughout the evaluation process.

Module 3: Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs

• Understand the principles of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) for impact evaluation.
• Discuss the strengths and limitations of experimental designs for establishing attribution.
• Explore various quasi-experimental designs (e.g., Difference-in-Differences, Regression Discontinuity).
• Examine the conditions under which quasi-experimental designs can approximate causal inference.
• Learn about practical challenges in implementing experimental and quasi-experimental evaluations.

Module 4: Non-Experimental and Theory-Based Approaches

• Understand the rationale for non-experimental designs when randomization is not feasible.
• Discuss theory-based evaluation approaches (e.g., Theory of Change evaluation, process tracing, realist evaluation).
• Explore contribution analysis and its application in assessing plausible contribution.
• Examine qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) for understanding complex causality.
• Learn about the strengths of these approaches for understanding "how" and "why" change occurs.

Module 5: Data Collection for Outcome and Impact Evaluation

• Understand the importance of robust data collection for credible evaluations.
• Discuss methods for collecting baseline, midline, and endline data.
• Explore quantitative data collection techniques relevant to outcome and impact measurement.
• Examine qualitative data collection methods for understanding context and perceptions of change.
• Learn about integrating different data sources and methods for comprehensive evidence.

Module 6: Data Analysis for Outcome and Impact Evaluation

• Understand appropriate statistical techniques for analyzing quantitative outcome and impact data.
• Discuss methods for qualitative data analysis (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis).
• Explore techniques for triangulating data from multiple sources and methods.
• Examine challenges in data analysis, including dealing with missing data and outliers.
• Learn about software tools for quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

Module 7: Reporting and Communicating Evaluation Findings

• Understand the purpose and audience for outcome and impact evaluation reports.
• Discuss best practices for structuring clear, concise, and credible evaluation reports.
• Explore techniques for presenting complex findings effectively through data visualization and narrative.
• Examine strategies for communicating findings to diverse stakeholders (e.g., policymakers, donors, beneficiaries).
• Learn about developing actionable recommendations based on evaluation evidence.

Module 8: Utilizing Evaluation Findings for Learning and Accountability

• Understand how outcome and impact evaluation findings contribute to organizational learning.
• Discuss strategies for integrating evaluation results into program design and policy development.
• Explore the use of evaluation for accountability to funders and beneficiaries.
• Examine the role of evaluation in fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making.
• Learn about disseminating findings broadly to inform the wider development or social sector.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com