Content*

TrainEval is composed of 4 modules of 4 days each with the following topics:

Module 1: Planning and Management of Development Evaluations
Module 2: Design of Development Evaluations & Cost Effectiveness Analysis
Module 3: Qualitative and Quantitative Data Collection Methods in Development Evaluations
Module 4: Data Analysis & Reporting in Development Evaluation

The course is designed as a four module course. Therefore modules can also be booked individually. It is however stongly recommended to book module 2 only in combination with module 1 as they are closely linked.

Customised offers

Specialised topics such as monitoring systems, complex statistical methods or self-evaluation will be offered as advanced courses upon request. Furthermore, we offer customised courses for organisations (not only within DC context).

Module 1: Planning and Management of Development Evaluations

Day 1: Concepts and Principles in Development Evaluations

• Welcome and Introduction/Course Objectives & Overview
• Concepts & Objectives of Evaluations
• Types of Development Evaluations
• Standards and Principles of Development Evaluations
• Personal Premises of an Evaluator

Day 2: Evaluation in the Context of the EC

• Development Cooperation of the EC/EuropeAid
• System & Principles of the EC Development Evaluations
• Project Cycle Management (PCM) & LogFrame as key tools of the EC
• The Role of Evaluation Questions, Judgement Criteria and Indicators

Day 3: The Process of Development Evaluations

• The Evaluation Process: Methodological Perspective
• The Evaluation Process: Organizational Perspectives of Principal & Agent
• Managing for Quality and Use of Evaluations
• Frequent Difficulties & Solutions

Day 4: Going beyond Project Evaluations

• Reconstructing the Intervention Logic of more complex Interventions
• Comparing Effect Diagrams and Logframes
• Excursus: Emerging Issues in Development Evaluations

Module 2: Design of Development Evaluations & Cost Effectiveness Analysis

Day 1: Evaluation Questions

• Recapitulation: Intervention Logic & Other Planning Tools
• Evaluation Questions
• Judgement Criteria
• From Question to Criterion & Indicator

Day 2: Development & Assessment of Indicators

• Concept and Different Types of Validity in Evaluations
• Development and Assessment of Indicators
• The Importance of Method Choices in Development Evaluations

Day 3: Methodological Design

• Methodological Design of Development Evaluations
• Types of Data Collection
• Mixed Method Approaches to Development Evaluations
• Adapting Evaluation Designs under Constraints

Day 4: Analysing Cost Effectiveness in Development Interventions

• Definition and Types of Efficiency
• Target-Actual Comparison
• Cost-Benefit and Cost-Impact Analysis
• Difficulties of Quantification and Monetisation
• Benchmarking and Monitoring of Costs and Benefits

Module 3: Qualitative & Quantitative Data Collection Methods in Development Evaluations

Day 1&2: Quantitative Data Collection Methods in Evaluation

• Types of Standardised Surveys
• Construction & Set-up of Questionnaires
• Index & Scaling Methods
• Sampling
• Manageable Effects

Day 3&4: Qualitative Data Collection Methods in Evaluation

• Basics & Forms of Qualitative Data Survey Methods
• Preparing & Conducting Guided Interviews
• Group Methods & Observation Techniques
• Participatory Concepts
• Interpretation of Qualitative Data

Module 4: Data Analysis & Reporting in Development Evaluation

Day 1: Statistical Data Analysis

• Data Preparation
• Use of Standard Software for Data Analysis
• Principles of Data Analysis

Day 2: Statistical Data Analysis & Other Analytical Tools

• Practical Use and Relevance of Statistical Analysis
• Interpretation of Quantitative Data

Day 3: Reporting

• Report Structure & Report Management
• Feedback & Reporting on-site
• Outline of EC Evaluation Reports

Day 4: Reporting

• From Findings to Conclusions to Recommendations
• Phrasing and Presentation of Results
• Writing Summaries
• Practical Tips

* Please note that contents may be subject to modification without prior notice.

Didactics & Methodology

The training contents have been selected and compiled following certain criteria: scientific and theoretical foundation, requirements of clients and evaluators as well as relevance in the practical field.

Theoretical inputs will be either elaborated independently or presented by trainers, and will then partly be applied in exercises or group activities. TrainEval understands itself to be a professional training programme using case studies from the immediate practice and integrating the appropriate task asignments. Room will be given for discussion and for the exchange of experience between participants and trainers.

The course material is compiled in such a way that participants will be able to use it as a handbook for assisting them in planning and conducting development evaluations. It contains fundamental theoretical inputs as well as methodological guidelines and checklists for pratical use.

Our experienced and committed trainers are not only available during the courses; but also during the breaks and in the evening they can answer specific questions or share their experiences.

In addition to the regular programme, we will invite guest speakers from relevant institutions for discussion meetings in the evening.