Content*

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

Module 1: Basics and Planning Tools 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

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: Basics and Planning Tools of Development Evaluations

Day 1: Introduction to Development Evaluation

• 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: Evaluations of EC Development Projects - Context & Content

• Introduction to Development Cooperation of the EC/EuropeAid
• System & Principles of the EC Development Evaluations
• Introduction to the (cognitive) process of Evaluations
• Project Cycle Management (PCM) & LogFrame as key tools of the EC

Day 3: Managing & Planning of Development Evaluations

• Evaluation Questions, Judgement Criteria and Indicators
• The Evaluation Process: Methodological Perspectives
• The Evaluation Process: Organizational Perspectives of Principal & Agent
• Managing for Quality and Use of Evaluations
• Frequent Difficulties & Solutions

Day 4: Evaluations of Programmes, Strategies and Policies

• Logic and Structure of EC Programmes, Policies and Strategies
• Structuring Evaluations for Programmes and Strategies
• Excursus: Emerging Issues in Development Evaluations

Module 2: Design of Development Evaluations & Cost Effectiveness Analysis

Day 1: Evaluation Design and Evaluation Questions

• Recapitulation: Intervention Logic & Other Planning Tools
• Introduction to Designing Development Evaluations
• Logic Models, Evaluation Question, Judgement Criteria
• Excursus: Systemic Concepts in Development Evaluations

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 Evaluation
• The Cognitive Process of Quantitative & Qualitative Evaluations

Day 3: Special Design Cases: Case Studies and Mixed Methods

• Spotlight on External Validity in Evaluations
• The Role of Case Studies in Development Evaluations
• Mixed Method Approaches to Development Evaluations
• Adapting Evaluation Designs under Constraints

Day 4: Analysing Cost Effectiveness in Development Interventions

• Definition and Types of Efficiency
• Difficulties of Quantification and Monetisation
• Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analysis? A Pragmatic Approach
• Generating Efficiency Indicators
• Benchmarking and Monitoring of Costs and Benefits

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

Day 1&2: Qualitative Data Collection Methods in Evaluation

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

Day 3&4: Quantitative Data Collection Methods in Evaluation

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

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
• Interpretation of Qualitative 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.