J-PAL Southeast Asia Evaluating Social Programs 2016, Jakarta

Program Objectives 

This 2-days course on evaluating social programs will provide a thorough understanding of randomized evaluations and pragmatic step-by-step training for conducting one’s own evaluation. It will focus on the benefits and methods of randomization and how to use evidence for decision-making and policy change. While the program is centered around the why, how and when of Randomized Evaluations, it will also impart insights on the importance of a needs assessment, measuring outcomes effectively, quality control, and monitoring methods that are useful for all kinds of evaluations in diverse issues and programs, such as infrastructure, education, health, governance, and others.

Program Focus

This joint course between J-PAL Southeast Asia (SEA) and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is designed for participants from a variety of backgrounds: managers and researchers from DFAT and their implementing partner, governments of Indonesia and non-governmental organizations. The following key questions and concepts will be covered:

• Why and when is a rigorous evaluation of social impact needed?
• The key components of a good randomized evaluation design
• Steps to do randomized evaluation from start to finish
• Evidence in Microfinance
• How to use randomized evaluation for policy

The training will achieve these goals through a combination of lectures, case studies, as well as group discussion. Expert researchers will provide both theoretical and example-based modules complemented by group discussion where participants can apply key concepts to real world examples. By examining both successful and problematic evaluations, participants will better understand the significance of various specific details of randomized evaluations. Furthermore, the training will offer extensive opportunities to apply these ideas ensuring that participants leave with the knowledge and comprehension necessary to concretely start their own randomized evaluations.

Key Information