🚀 Strategic Project Evaluation: Advanced Impact Assessment and M&E Training Course

Module 1: Fundamentals and Frameworks of Impact Assessment

 

ü  Defining Impact Assessment and its place in the M&E cycle

ü  The distinction between outputs, outcomes, and impacts

ü  Logic Models, Results Frameworks, and their relationship to evaluation

ü  Key principles and standards for credible impact assessment courses studies

ü  Overview of the different types of evaluation (formative, summative, impact)

ü  Practical Session: Developing the Logic Model and Theory of Change for a Development Program

 

Module 2: Theory-Based Evaluation and the Theory of Change

 

ü  Developing a robust Theory of Change (ToC) model

ü  Identifying causal pathways, assumptions, and external factors

ü  Utilizing the ToC for indicator development and risk analysis

ü  Process tracing and contribution analysis methods

ü  Linking the ToC to the final impact assessment design

ü  Practical Session: Critique and Refinement of a Pre-Existing Program's Theory of Change

 

Module 3: Designing the Counterfactual and Causal Inference

 

ü  The fundamental problem of causal inference in impact assessment

ü  Definition and importance of the counterfactual

ü  Methods for creating a valid counterfactual (randomization, matching, etc.)

ü  Selection bias and confounding variables

ü  The notion of Average Treatment Effect (ATE)

ü  Practical Session: Identifying Potential Counterfactuals for a Policy Intervention and Assessing Feasibility

 

Module 4: Experimental Design: Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)

 

ü  Principles and conditions for implementing Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)

ü  Types of randomization (individual, cluster, phase-in)

ü  Ethical considerations and managing spillovers/contamination

ü  Data requirements and management for RCTs

ü  Calculating statistical power for RCTs

ü  Practical Session: Designing the Randomization Protocol and Ethical Review for a Health Program RCT

 

Module 5: Quasi-Experimental Methodologies I: Difference-in-Differences (DiD)

 

ü  Introduction to Quasi-Experimental Design (QED)

ü  The Difference-in-Differences (DiD) methodology

ü  Key assumption: The parallel trends assumption and testing for it

ü  Regression-based estimation of DiD

ü  DiD applications in policy analysis and reform

ü  Practical Session: Estimating the Impact of a Policy Using a Sample DiD Dataset

 

Module 6: Quasi-Experimental Methodologies II: Propensity Score Matching (PSM)

 

ü  Introduction to the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method

ü  The conditional independence assumption (CIA)

ü  Steps for estimating propensity scores (e.g., Logistic Regression)

ü  Choosing the appropriate matching algorithm (Nearest Neighbor, Kernel)

ü  Assessing match quality and common support

ü  Practical Session: Implementing PSM on a Sample Dataset to Estimate Program Impact

 

Module 7: Data Collection, Management, and Quality Control

 

ü  Designing baseline, midline, and endline data collection instruments

ü  Utilizing technology for data collection (CAPI, ODK, SurveyCTO)

ü  Fieldwork protocols, training, and supervision

ü  Data quality assurance (DQA) procedures and real-time monitoring

ü  Data security and privacy considerations

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Data Quality Monitoring Plan and Field Team Training Outline

 

Module 8: Econometric Techniques for Impact Estimation I (Regression)

 

ü  Review of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression

ü  Interpreting impact estimates as coefficients

ü  Handling binary and categorical outcome variables

ü  Dealing with clustering and heteroscedasticity (robust standard errors)

ü  Controlling for confounding variables in non-experimental designs

ü  Practical Session: Running OLS Regression to Estimate Simple Program Impact

 

Module 9: Econometric Techniques for Impact Estimation II (Advanced Methods)

 

ü  Instrumental Variables (IV) for addressing unobserved confounding

ü  Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD) principles and application

ü  Fixed Effects models for panel data analysis

ü  Handling limited dependent variables (e.g., Probit/Logit)

ü  Advanced causal inference software applications

ü  Practical Session: Interpreting Results from an RDD Study Design

 

Module 10: Qualitative and Mixed-Methods Impact Assessment

 

ü  Role of qualitative research in complementing quantitative impact assessment

ü  Techniques for qualitative data collection (IDIs, FGDs)

ü  Process tracing and contribution analysis using qualitative data

ü  Triangulation and mixed-methods research design

ü  Integrating qualitative findings into the final causal narrative

ü  Practical Session: Designing a Mixed-Methods Research Protocol for a Vocational Training Program

 

Module 11: Assessing Heterogeneity of Impacts and Subgroup Analysis

 

ü  Identifying differential impacts across various subgroups (gender, age, location)

ü  Utilizing interaction terms in regression models

ü  The importance of understanding "impact for whom"

ü  Ethical considerations in subgroup analysis and reporting

ü  Policy implications of heterogeneous impacts

ü  Practical Session: Testing for Interaction Effects in a Regression Model

 

Module 12: Ethical and Political Dimensions of Impact Assessment

 

ü  Informed consent and voluntary participation principles

ü  Managing ethical review boards and approval processes

ü  Addressing political sensitivities and stakeholder resistance

ü  The independence and neutrality of the evaluation team

ü  Ensuring transparency and accessibility of methods and data

ü  Practical Session: Drafting an Informed Consent Form and Ethics Protocol

 

Module 13: Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

 

ü  Principles of Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)

ü  Calculating and interpreting Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR)

ü  Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) for comparing alternative interventions

ü  Valuing non-market benefits and shadow pricing

ü  Using economic analysis to inform resource allocation

ü  Practical Session: Calculating the BCR for a Hypothetical Infrastructure Project

 

Module 14: Managing Bias and Threats to Validity

 

ü  Identifying internal and external threats to validity

ü  Selection bias, attrition bias, and measurement error

ü  Methods for reducing bias in design and analysis

ü  Hawthorne and John Henry effects

ü  Sensitivity analysis to test the robustness of findings

ü  Practical Session: Identifying and Proposing Mitigation Strategies for Threats to Validity in a Case Study

 

Module 15: Sampling and Power Calculations for Impact Studies

 

ü  Review of stratified and cluster sampling techniques

ü  Detailed principles of statistical power and minimum detectable effect size (MDE)

ü  Practical steps for conducting power calculations for RCTs and DiD

ü  The trade-off between power, sample size, and budget

ü  Using software for power calculations (e.g., G*Power, R)

ü  Practical Session: Performing a Power Calculation to Determine Required Sample Size

 

Module 16: Reporting and Communicating Impact Findings

 

ü  Structure and content of a high-quality impact assessment report

ü  Techniques for visual communication of causal results (graphs, charts)

ü  Tailoring communication for different audiences (policymakers, public, experts)

ü  Managing the dissemination and feedback process

ü  Transparency in reporting limitations and caveats

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Presentation Deck of Key Findings for an Executive Audience

 

Module 17: Utilizing Impact Evidence for Policy and Scaling Up

 

ü  The role of evidence in the policy cycle

ü  Strategies for maximizing the uptake and use of impact assessment findings

ü  Frameworks for assessing the scalability and transferability of interventions

ü  Developing learning agendas from evaluation results

ü  Institutionalizing the use of evidence in decision-making

ü  Practical Session: Developing a Policy Brief Based on a Set of Impact Findings

 

Module 18: Integrated Capstone Project: Full Impact Assessment Design

 

ü  Participants are given a complex policy/program challenge

ü  Requirement to develop a complete Impact Assessment Design Document

ü  Includes Theory of Change, Counterfactual Strategy, Sampling, Data Plan, and Analysis Strategy

ü  Final presentation and defense of the proposed design

ü  Peer review and critique session

ü  Practical Session: Final Capstone Project: Presenting and Defending the Rigorous Impact Assessment Design

About Our Trainers

 

Our trainers are senior evaluation experts and economists with an average of 15 years of experience leading major impact assessment studies for multilateral agencies (e.g., World Bank, UNDP), government bodies, and top research institutions. They are proficient in advanced econometric software and specialize in the design and execution of RCTs, DiD, and RDD, ensuring the impact assessment courses training is grounded in current global best practice.

 

Quality Statement

 

Phoenix Training Center is committed to delivering a superior, methodologically rigorous impact assessment courses training. We guarantee a curriculum that integrates cutting-edge causal inference techniques with practical application, ensuring participants are equipped to design, manage, and execute the highest quality impact assessment studies globally.

 

Tailor-Made Courses

We offer customized training solutions tailored to your organization's specific sector (e.g., health, education, infrastructure), preferred statistical software (Stata, R), or focus on a particular methodology (e.g., a deep dive solely into RDD and PSM). We can integrate your current programs and evaluation challenges directly into the practical workshops. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202