Introduction to Evaluation

This one-day interactive session will introduce participants to the key concepts and stages of evaluation. Participants will be provided with a clear understanding of how evaluation can improve policy delivery and how to use a toolkit of approaches to generate different insights.

Topics Covered

• What is evaluation and why is it important.
• What are the key stages and activities of conducting an evaluation.
• Programme theory: logic models and theory of change
• Different types of evaluation and when to use them:

(i) statistical impact;

(ii) qualitative impact; and

(iii) implementation and process. 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training participants will be able to:

• Explain what evaluation means and why it is important.
• List and describe the key stages of an evaluation.
• Explain what programme theory is, why it is useful and how it can be used 
• Describe the difference between types of evaluation:
• Implementation and Process.
• Statistical Impact.
• Qualitative Impact.

Target Audience

This course is suited to those who have an interest in understanding how policy works in practice. You do not need to have any previous experience in evaluation, though some understanding of how policy is generated and delivered is preferable. The training explains the concepts of qualitative and statistical methodologies at a foundation level, so is suited to people of both quant and qual backgrounds. 

You will find this course useful if: 

• You make, shape or have an interest in policy. 
• You are new to evaluation and would like exposure to the concepts and workings of it in order to apply it in your own work. 
•  You want to understand how to improve the delivery of your work and understand its outcomes.