Policy Evaluation for Ageing Societies (DL)

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Explain the link between theory and methods in evaluating policies and programmes.
• Critically evaluate the methods used in a policy or programme evaluation.
• Compare different policy and programme evaluations in developed and developing countries.
• Design an evaluation of a policy or programme using the appropriate theory and methods.
• Discuss the basic evaluation tools needed to assess policies and programmes.

The module will include online lectures on: the importance of conducting policy/programme evaluations and how this has developed over time; the different models surrounding policy evaluation; methodology for conducting evaluations, mixed methods, and longitudinal research designs; realistic evaluation and ethics in evaluation; the role of the evaluator and stakeholders; monitoring the evaluation process and delivering the report; using the evaluation to inform policy and programme practice.

Teaching and learning methods

The module involves lectures and case studies of evaluations of policies/programme on ageing or older people. Learning activities include audio lectures, which include trigger questions, tutor-led tutorials discussing lecture content, the case studies, and the assessments, discussions forums on Blackboard and independent study. Students are expected to carry out some reading in advance or after listening to each session in order to make the most of the sessions.

Resources & Reading list

Internet Resources

The Magenta book: Guidance for Evaluation.

Textbooks

Cartwright, N. and Hardie, J. (2012). Evidence-Based Policy: A Practical Guide to doing it better. Oxford: Oxford university press.

Gertler, P.J., Martinez, S., Premand, P., Rawlings, L.B. and Vermeersch, C.M., (2011). Impact evaluation in practice.. World Bank Publications.

Khandker, S.R., Koolwal, G.B. and Samad, H.A., (2010). Handbook on Impact Evaluation: Quantitative Methods and Practices.. World Bank Publications.

Bryman, A., (2012). Social Research Methods. Oxford university press.

McDavid, J.C., Huse, I. & Hawthorn, L.R.L. (2013). Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement: An Introduction to Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Assessment strategy

Policy/ Programme evaluation proposal of 2,500 words (100% of the grade)

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External