Impact Evaluation Methods with Applications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries from edX

Economic development is a process of trial and error, innovation and experimentation, success and failure. Given the right institutions, some not unfavorable resource endowments, and a bit of luck, incomes can grow, health can improve, and human development can flourish; other times, things don’t turn out so well.

Given the urgency of development challenges, it is imperative that we learn quickly from our mistakes and build robustly on our successes. The hope is that by understanding what kinds of innovations and policies “work” to improve the lives of the deprived and vulnerable, and how they work, we might be better placed to accelerate the process of development more generally. But how can policy makers and international development practitioners be sure they’re “making a difference?”

This course was created collaboratively by Georgetown University and the World Bank's Strategic Impact Evaluation Fund with support from the Georgetown Center for New Designs in Learning and Scholarship, Georgetown University Initiative of Innovation, Development and Evaluation (gui2de), and The Open Learning Campus of the World Bank Group.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define impact evaluation and recognize its importance.
Describe the importance of randomization and the problems that can arise in randomized controlled trials (rcts).
Identify statistical concepts and tools for program evaluation.

Interpret the concept of regression and how it informs rct results.
Illustrate the balance between sample size and cost of trial.
Explain the value and application of quasi experimental methods

Define impact evaluation and recognize its importance.
Describe the importance of randomization and the problems that can arise in randomized controlled trials (rcts).
Identify statistical concepts and tools for program evaluation.
Interpret the concept of regression and how it informs rct results.
Illustrate the balance between sample size and cost of trial.
Explain the value and application of quasi experimental methods

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Learners will be able to measure the causes and effects of public policy programs

Taught by William Jack, recognized expert in economic development

Explores the general idea of economic development and its effects on human life

Teaches learners about economic development, which is applicable for development practitioners

Provides resources from a top institution, such as Georgetown University and the World Bank

May not be ideal for learners with zero experience in economy

Reviews summary

Positive impact evaluation course

Learners say that this thorough, well-liked course is especially useful for those who are new to impact evaluation techniques in low- and middle-income countries. Due to the focus on methods and relevant examples, most learners were able to achieve all of the learning goals and found the course enjoyable. Module 5, in particular, was cited for its helpful information on regression analysis.

Engaging videos and content make learning enjoyable.

"The design of the videos motivated me and even made learning fun."

Focus on methods and use of relevant examples.

"I am in Tanzania, new to Impact Evaluation techniques. What I rarely appreciated about the course is on the unique presentation. Relevant topic and examples."

"The course content communicates important information about the course subject and I found it very relatable because most of the examples were set in the Kenyan context."

Provides a comprehensive overview of impact evaluation methods and techniques.

"The course is very intensive and thorough and provides an overview of empirical methods and analytical techniques for assessing the impact of development innovations at both the product and policy levels."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Impact Evaluation Methods with Applications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries with these activities:

Review basic probability and statistics

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Familiarize yourself with basic statistical concepts and the principles of hypothesis testing to strengthen your understanding of impact evaluation methods.

Browse courses on Probability

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Revisit core concepts in introductory statistics textbooks or online resources
Review probability distributions, central limit theorem, and sampling
Practice solving basic statistics problems

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Career center

Learners who complete Impact Evaluation Methods with Applications in Low- and Middle-Income Countries will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

International Development Officer

International Development Officers work on projects to improve the lives of people in less developed countries. They plan and manage programs, evaluate their impact, and work with local communities and governments to ensure that projects are sustainable. This course would provide you with the skills you need to evaluate the impact of your projects and ensure that they are making a real difference in the lives of the people you are trying to help.

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Statistician

Statisticians develop and apply statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work in a variety of fields, including public health, education, and business.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to extract insights and inform decision-making.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to determine their effectiveness and impact. They use data and evidence to develop recommendations for improving policies and programs. This course would help you develop the skills you need to analyze the impact of public policies and make recommendations for improvement.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help businesses and organizations to improve their sustainability performance. They work with clients to develop and implement sustainability strategies, assess environmental and social impacts, and report on sustainability progress.

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Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and projects. They work with stakeholders to develop program goals and objectives, create budgets, manage staff, and track progress.

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Global Health Advocate

Global Health Advocates work to improve the health of people around the world. They work with governments, organizations, and communities to promote access to healthcare, improve health outcomes, and reduce health disparities. This course would provide you with the skills you need to evaluate the impact of global health programs and advocate for policies that improve health equity.

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Climate Policy Analyst

Climate Policy Analysts research and analyze climate change policies to determine their effectiveness and impact. They use data and evidence to develop recommendations for improving policies and programs aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers develop and implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies for businesses and organizations. They work with stakeholders to identify social and environmental issues, develop CSR programs, and measure the impact of CSR initiatives.

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Research Analyst

Research Analysts conduct research on a variety of topics. They collect data, analyze information, and draw conclusions to answer research questions.

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Development Economist

Development Economists conduct research on economic development and poverty reduction. They use their research to inform policy and program decisions aimed at improving the lives of people in developing countries. This course would provide you with the skills you need to evaluate the impact of economic development programs and make recommendations for improving their effectiveness.

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Public Health Researcher

Public Health Researchers conduct research on public health issues to identify risk factors, develop prevention strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of public health programs. This course would provide you with the skills you need to evaluate the impact of public health programs and develop evidence-based recommendations for improving public health.

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Environmental Economist

Environmental Economists conduct research on environmental issues to identify the economic costs and benefits of environmental policies and regulations. They use their research to inform policy and program decisions aimed at improving environmental quality.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, implement, and evaluate projects. They work with stakeholders to develop project goals and objectives, create budgets, manage staff, and track progress.

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Social Impact Investor

Social Impact Investors invest in companies and organizations that are working to solve social and environmental problems. They use their investment capital to create a positive impact on society and the environment. This course would provide you with the skills you need to evaluate the impact of social investments and make investment decisions that maximize social impact.

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