Professional development workshops

Real-World impact evaluations in the international context (16) [EN]

Ted Freeman, Goss Gilroy Inc.; Louise Mailloux, Goss Gilroy Inc.; Dean Pallen, Goss Gilroy Inc.

May 5, 2010, 1:00pm - 4:00pm - Advanced - 25 seats

This workshop will focus on real-life situations of conducting impact or impact-related evaluations in the context of international development, with an emphasis on the budget, time and data constraints that are typically faced. For instance, budget constraints affect the ability to combine quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, the size and professional experience of the evaluation team, and the type of analysis that can be conducted. Time constraints affect how long evaluators can be in the field, as well as number and types of data collection methods feasible. Data constraints affect the ability to collect information from a suitable comparison group (counterfactual) and obtain baseline information on the project population; if secondary data is used, data constraints may affect the compatibility of sample coverage and timing, or whether the data cover the required variables and define them in the required manner. Program design and delivery mechanisms also produce a range of project-specific issues that determine the range of evaluation methods which can be applied.

Participants in the workshop will be engaged in examining these main constraints that evaluators face in this context, and the decision-making process involved in the selection of the most rigorous methods available in order that the findings and recommendations are as reliable as possible.

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