Upon completion of this course, participants know the main methods and functions of development program and project evaluation. After an introduction in the statistical software package R (open source) they have applied an own quantitative impact evaluation based on real world data. Furthermore, the managerial aspects concerning the implementation of impact evaluations within the project cycle are covered as well. Hence, this course equips you with all skills that help you to implement impact evaluations in practice and probably lays the foundation to become a successful evaluation team leader in your future career.
The course reviews the stepwise approach of project evaluation and impact assessment. The main part of the lecture explains the analytical tools frequently applied in impact assessment and project evaluation practice. This includes the following experimental and quasi-experimental approaches:
- Randomized Selection
- Propensity Score Matching
- Difference-in-Differences
- Instrumental Variable Estimation
- Regression Discontinuity Design
- Panel Data Techniques
After having acquired the analytical and methodical background, students learn the typical steps in organizing findings into reports and draft a short impact assessment and evaluation report for a self-selected topic. The lectures are accompanied with practical exercises based on the analysis of real-world data with the statistical software package R.
Furthermore, the course looks into management aspects of Impact Evaluations in Development Cooperation and discusses different roles and required expertise within an Evaluation Team.
In Summer term 2026 only the 2. quarter of the semester is open for AGEP guests: 
Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Oliver Serfling
No ECTS can be granted.
Find more information in the pdf course description
Registration for this course:
– Fill out the form in the sign-up-button below
Since this is a course from Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, your application will be forwarded and you will get all relevant information from the lecturer. Your registration is successful, when you get a confirmation email.
