Many development programmes have overlapping activities that are regularly adapted to changes in the context and result from collaboration with multiple partners. Traditional impact evaluation methods that measure differences in baseline and endline outcomes are not well suited to deal with this complexity. Contribution Analysis has emerged as a structured approach that is better able to address these real-world challenges. It consists of a step-wise, iterative process of refining Theory of Change and nested impact pathways. Subsequently, Mixed method research designs are used to verify the most critical and contested assumptions.
You‘ll be introduced to the strengths and weaknesses of several novel methods that can be used within a Contribution Analysis approach to impact evaluation, including methods to explore causal patterns in data sets (Qualitative Comparative Analysis) and qualitative causal inference (Process Tracing, Realist evaluation), and methods to increase learning and empowerment (Participatory evaluation).
Course aims
To equip individuals and organisations to more effectively design impact evaluations using a contribution analysis framing.
Who should attend?
Experienced independent evaluators; programme implementers; early-stage researchers interested in innovative and mixed research methods; and evaluation commissioners including policy makers.
How you'll learn
You’ll learn through a mixture of presentations plus Q&A, and individual and small group work around a set of case studies. As the course progresses, you’ll apply your knowledge incrementally – ending up with a ‘finished’ example of a strong, interlinked mixed-methods research design to verify the theory of change of a project or programme.
Learning Outcomes
At completing this course you will be able to:
- Understand current debates on impact evaluation methodologies.
- Develop an evaluation design that responds to the evaluation questions and context
- Choose appropriate methods to gather and analyse data to support conclusions about effectiveness.
- Critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the various evaluation approaches.
Facilitators
Giel Ton, IDS
Marina Apgar, IDS
Entry Requirements
It is essential that participants have an interest in, and preferably experience of, impact evaluation of development projects, programmes or policies.
You will have an undergraduate honours degree in the social sciences or related subject, and at least one year of development related work experience.
The course is taught in English. To derive the maximum benefit from the course, participants should be proficient in English and able to take an active part in discussions. Your English needs to be of an intermediate standard or higher. Ideally, you will have an International English Language Test System (IELTS) score of 6.5 or above, a Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) score of B2 or above.
Course Fees
The course costs £1,550 for five days, including lunches and refreshments, an evening group dinner, and course materials. It does not include accommodation.
Once you have received confirmation that your application has been approved, the fee must be paid in full on receipt of invoice.
IDS alumni bursary
We are pleased offer one bursary for IDS alumni. This single award, funded by IDS, is in the form of a 20 per cent course fee discount. It is subject to terms and conditions, and will be offered to one applicant on a first-come first-served basis. Please indicate on your application form that you wish to be considered for this bursary.
How to apply
Before applying please read our short course Terms and Conditions (pdf) and Code_of_Conduct (pdf).
The application procedure is a three-stage process:
Stage 1: Apply by completing the online application form. Deadline for applications is 5 August 2019. The course code is RF/18029.
Stage 2: You will be notified within one month as to whether your application has been approved or not. Successful applicants will receive the Stage 2 application form and an invoice for the course fee. Places on the course are not guaranteed until fees have been received.
Stage 3: Once fees have been received, you will be sent confirmation of your place on the course and a letter to support your visa application (if required).
You are responsible for organising your own travel and visas (where needed). Please note that UK visa applications can take months to process. Information about local accommodation will be provided by the course coordinator once your fees have been processed. A limited number of study bedrooms at IDS are available for rent on a first come first served basis.
Bespoke versions of this course can also be planned and delivered in country for a single institution or group of institutions and partners, by arrangement. Please contact Leah Plati: l.plati@ids.ac.uk for further information.
