Impact Evaluation of Policies, Programmes & Projects


Course Info

Code PO3 - 117

Duration 4 Days

Format Classroom, Online

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Impact Evaluation of Policies, Programmes & Projects

Course Summary

Evaluating the impact of policies, programmes, and projects is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and sustainability. This training course equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to design and conduct comprehensive impact evaluations, enabling them to measure outcomes, assess benefits, and inform decision-making processes.

The course begins with an overview of impact evaluation and its role in evidence-based policy and programme development. Participants will learn to apply various evaluation frameworks, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, to measure causal impacts. The training highlights the importance of data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement in crafting evaluations that are accurate and actionable.

Through real-world examples and case studies, the course demonstrates how to identify key indicators, navigate challenges, and integrate findings into organisational practices. Practical exercises on tools like the theory of change, cost-benefit analysis, and evaluation reports ensure participants leave with actionable skills.

By the end of the course, attendees will have a robust understanding of impact evaluation and the ability to apply these skills to policies, programmes, or projects, driving accountability and improvement in their organisations.


Upon completion of the course, participants will be able:

  • Understand the fundamentals and importance of impact evaluation.
  • Apply various evaluation designs to measure causal impacts.
  • Develop indicators and data collection tools for robust evaluation.
  • Conduct data analysis to assess the outcomes and impacts of initiatives.
  • Integrate evaluation findings into strategic decision-making processes.
  • Navigate common challenges in conducting impact evaluations.

This course is designed for:

  • Policy Makers and Programme Managers: Professionals responsible for designing and implementing initiatives.
  • Evaluation and Monitoring Specialists: Individuals tasked with assessing the outcomes and impacts of projects.
  • Researchers and Analysts: Those involved in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs): Staff seeking to demonstrate the effectiveness of their programmes to stakeholders.
  • Students and Academics: Individuals pursuing careers or research in policy and programme evaluation.

This course utilises a combination of learning approaches to ensure a comprehensive understanding of impact evaluation:

  • Interactive Lectures: Facilitated by experts, these sessions introduce core concepts and frameworks.
  • Case Studies: Real-world examples to illustrate effective evaluation techniques.
  • Workshops and Group Activities: Hands-on exercises to design and critique evaluation plans.
  • Role-Playing Scenarios: Simulations for stakeholder engagement and data collection.
  • Feedback and Assessments: Quizzes, group discussions, and personalised feedback to reinforce learning.

Course Content & Outline

Section 1: Introduction to Impact Evaluation

  • Definition and purpose of impact evaluation
  • Differences between monitoring, evaluation, and impact evaluation
  • The role of impact evaluation in evidence-based decision-making

Section 2: Evaluation Frameworks and Designs

  • Overview of experimental and quasi-experimental designs
  • Randomised control trials (RCTs)
  • Matching techniques and difference-in-differences approaches

Section 3: Developing Indicators and Tools

  • Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs)
  • Designing surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions
  • Ensuring data reliability and validity

Section 4: Data Collection and Analysis

  • Quantitative vs qualitative data: When and how to use them
  • Tools and software for data analysis
  • Interpreting findings and identifying trends

Section 5: Reporting and Communication of Findings

  • Structuring an effective impact evaluation report
  • Presenting findings to stakeholders
  • Using evaluation results to inform future initiatives

Section 6: Challenges in Impact Evaluation

  • Common pitfalls in evaluation design and implementation
  • Ethical considerations in data collection and analysis
  • Strategies for overcoming resource and time constraints

Section 7: Case Studies and Practical Applications

  • Real-world examples of successful impact evaluations
  • Group exercises to design and critique evaluation plans
  • Lessons learned from evaluation successes and failures

Certificate Description

Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded a Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. For those who attend and complete the online training course, a Holistique Training e-Certificate will be provided.

Holistique Training Certificates are accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) and The CPD Certification Service (CPD), and are certified under ISO 9001, ISO 21001, and ISO 29993 standards.

CPD credits for this course are granted by our Certificates and will be reflected on the Holistique Training Certificate of Completion. In accordance with the standards of The CPD Certification Service, one CPD credit is awarded per hour of course attendance. A maximum of 50 CPD credits can be claimed for any single course we currently offer.



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