Format: Live instructor-led online training via Zoom / Microsoft Teams

Impact Evaluation Techniques Training Course

Course Overview

The Impact Evaluation Techniques Training Course is designed to equip participants with practical and advanced skills in impact evaluation methodologies, results measurement, evidence-based decision-making, program effectiveness assessment, experimental and quasi-experimental research designs, and data-driven policy analysis. In today's development landscape, governments, NGOs, humanitarian agencies, research institutions, and private organizations increasingly require robust impact evaluation frameworks to demonstrate accountability, optimize resource allocation, and improve program performance. This course provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical approaches for designing, implementing, and interpreting rigorous impact evaluations across various sectors.

The training emphasizes modern impact evaluation methods including theory-based evaluation, randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, counterfactual analysis, propensity score matching, difference-in-differences estimation, regression discontinuity design, and contribution analysis. Participants will gain hands-on experience in impact evaluation planning, indicator development, baseline and endline assessments, data quality assurance, and advanced analytical techniques for measuring outcomes and long-term impacts. The course integrates monitoring and evaluation principles with statistical methods to generate credible evidence for strategic planning and policy formulation.

Participants will learn how to design evaluation frameworks that effectively answer attribution questions, establish causal relationships, and determine the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, sustainability, and scalability of interventions. Through practical exercises and real-world case studies, participants will develop competencies in evaluation design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, stakeholder engagement, report writing, and communicating findings for evidence-informed decision-making.

The course adopts a highly participatory approach through expert-led presentations, practical exercises, computer-based data analysis sessions, collaborative group assignments, and case-based learning methodologies. Upon completion, participants will possess the technical skills required to design and conduct rigorous impact evaluations, interpret findings accurately, and support organizational learning, accountability, and adaptive management processes.

Course Objectives

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

1. Understand fundamental concepts and principles of impact evaluation.
2. Design theory-based and results-oriented evaluation frameworks.
3. Develop appropriate evaluation questions and hypotheses.
4. Apply experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation methodologies.
5. Establish counterfactual scenarios and attribution mechanisms.
6. Design baseline, midline, and endline evaluation studies.
7. Apply quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.
8. Interpret evaluation findings and generate evidence-based recommendations.
9. Prepare comprehensive impact evaluation reports and dissemination strategies.
10. Utilize evaluation findings for policy improvement and organizational learning.

Organizational Benefits

Organizations participating in this training will benefit by:

1. Strengthening evidence-based planning and decision-making processes.
2. Improving program accountability and transparency mechanisms.
3. Enhancing resource allocation and investment decisions.
4. Measuring program outcomes and long-term impacts effectively.
5. Improving donor reporting and compliance requirements.
6. Strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems.
7. Increasing organizational capacity for adaptive management.
8. Enhancing strategic planning and program design processes.
9. Generating credible evidence for policy advocacy and fundraising.
10. Promoting continuous learning and performance improvement.

Target Participants

This course is suitable for:

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
• Program Managers and Coordinators
• Researchers and Research Assistants
• Project Managers
• Development Practitioners
• Government Planning Officers
• Policy Analysts
• Data Analysts and Statisticians
• Humanitarian and NGO Professionals
• Consultants and Evaluation Specialists
• Academicians and University Researchers
• Donor Agency Personnel

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Impact Evaluation

• Concepts and principles of impact evaluation
• Types and purposes of evaluations
• Results-based management framework
• Evaluation criteria and standards
• Evaluation lifecycle and processes
• General Case Study: Evaluation of a rural livelihood improvement project

Module 2: Theory of Change and Program Logic Models

• Theory of Change development
• Results chains and causal pathways
• Logical framework approach
• Assumptions and risks identification
• Outcome mapping techniques
• General Case Study: Education improvement program logic model

Module 3: Evaluation Questions and Design

• Formulating evaluation questions
• Evaluation objectives and scope
• Developing evaluation hypotheses
• Selecting appropriate methodologies
• Designing evaluation frameworks
• General Case Study: Health intervention evaluation design

Module 4: Experimental Evaluation Designs

• Randomized controlled trials principles
• Random assignment techniques
• Treatment and control groups
• Internal validity considerations
• Ethical issues in experiments
• General Case Study: Agricultural extension intervention assessment

Module 5: Quasi-Experimental Designs

• Propensity score matching
• Difference-in-differences estimation
• Regression discontinuity design
• Instrumental variable approaches
• Synthetic control methods
• General Case Study: Youth employment program evaluation

Module 6: Counterfactual Analysis

• Understanding counterfactual scenarios
• Establishing comparison groups
• Attribution versus contribution
• Selection bias management
• Validity and reliability considerations
• General Case Study: Social protection program assessment

Module 7: Sampling and Data Collection Strategies

• Sampling methods for evaluations
• Baseline and endline surveys
• Mixed-methods approaches
• Questionnaire design principles
• Data quality assurance procedures
• General Case Study: Community development project survey design

Module 8: Quantitative Impact Analysis

• Descriptive statistical techniques
• Inferential statistical methods
• Hypothesis testing procedures
• Regression analysis applications
• Effect size estimation
• General Case Study: Maternal health intervention analysis

Module 9: Qualitative Impact Evaluation Methods

• Qualitative research methodologies
• Key informant interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Most Significant Change technique
• Outcome harvesting approaches
• General Case Study: Gender empowerment program assessment

Module 10: Data Interpretation and Evidence Synthesis

• Triangulation methodologies
• Interpretation of findings
• Managing uncertainty and limitations
• Synthesizing qualitative and quantitative evidence
• Drawing valid conclusions
• General Case Study: Humanitarian response evaluation

Module 11: Reporting and Communicating Evaluation Findings

• Evaluation report structures
• Writing executive summaries
• Data visualization techniques
• Presentation and dissemination strategies
• Communicating findings to stakeholders
• General Case Study: Donor-funded project evaluation report

Module 12: Utilization of Evaluation Findings

• Evidence-informed decision-making
• Organizational learning approaches
• Adaptive management strategies
• Policy formulation and advocacy
• Scaling successful interventions
• General Case Study: National development program improvement planning

General Information

1. Customized Training: All our courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of participants.
2. Language Proficiency: Participants should have a good command of the English language.
3. Comprehensive Learning: Our training includes well-structured presentations, practical exercises, web-based tutorials, and collaborative group work. Our facilitators are seasoned experts with over a decade of experience.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of training, participants will receive a certificate from Foscore Development Center (FDC-K).
5. Training Locations: Training sessions are conducted at Foscore Development Center (FDC-K) centers. We also offer options for in-house and online training, customized to the client's schedule.
6. Flexible Duration: Course durations are adaptable, and content can be adjusted to fit the required number of days.
7. Onsite Training Inclusions: The course fee for onsite training covers facilitation, training materials, two coffee breaks, a buffet lunch, and a Certificate of Successful Completion. Participants are responsible for their travel expenses, airport transfers, visa applications, dinners, health/accident insurance, and personal expenses.
8. Additional Services: Accommodation, pickup services, freight booking, and visa processing arrangements are available upon request at discounted rates.
9. Equipment: Tablets and laptops can be provided to participants at an additional cost.
10. Post-Training Support: We offer one year of free consultation and coaching after the course.
11. Group Discounts: Register as a group of more than two and enjoy a discount ranging from 10% to 50%.
12. Payment Terms: Payment should be made before the commencement of the training or as mutually agreed upon, to the Foscore Development Center account. This ensures better preparation for your training.
13. Contact Us: For any inquiries, please reach out to us at training@fdc-k.org or call us at +254712260031.
14. Website: Visit www.fdc-k.org for more information.