Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Research, Policy and Development Analytics

• Introduction to Research and Development Analytics
• Understanding Development Challenges
• Introduction to Policy Analysis
• Evidence-Based Decision-Making
• Research, Policy and Development Linkages
• Development Frameworks and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Case Study & Practical Application: Analyze a development challenge and identify evidence requirements for policy and programme decision-making.

Module 2: Research Design and Methodology

• Defining Research Problems and Questions
• Developing Research Objectives and Hypotheses
• Conceptual and Analytical Frameworks
• Quantitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Mixed Methods Research Approaches
• Literature Review Techniques
• Sampling Techniques and Sample Size Determination

Case Study & Practical Application: Develop a research design and methodology for a policy or development-related study.

Module 3: Data Collection, Research Ethics and Data Quality

• Survey Design and Questionnaire Development
• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)
• Observation and Participatory Research Methods
• Secondary Data Collection and Review
• Research Ethics and Informed Consent
• Data Privacy, Confidentiality and Data Governance
• Data Quality Assurance and Control
• Digital Data Collection Using KoboToolbox, ODK and SurveyCTO

Case Study & Practical Application: Design data collection tools and conduct a data quality assessment exercise.

Module 4: Quantitative Data Analysis and Statistical Applications

• Data Preparation, Cleaning and Validation
• Descriptive Statistics and Data Summarization
• Cross-Tabulations and Data Exploration
• Inferential Statistics
• Correlation and Regression Analysis
• Hypothesis Testing
• Statistical Analysis Using SPSS, STATA and R
• Interpreting Statistical Results for Decision-Making

Case Study & Practical Application: Analyze quantitative data and generate evidence-based findings using statistical software.

Module 5: Qualitative Research and Data Analysis

• Principles of Qualitative Research
• Coding and Categorizing Qualitative Data
• Thematic Analysis Techniques
• Content and Narrative Analysis
• Data Triangulation Approaches
• Qualitative Analysis Using NVivo
• Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Findings
• Developing Evidence-Based Conclusions

Case Study & Practical Application: Conduct thematic analysis and generate actionable insights from qualitative datasets.

Module 6: Policy Analysis and Evaluation

• Public Policy Development Processes
• Policy Analysis Frameworks and Models
• Stakeholder Analysis
• Political Economy Analysis
• Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
• Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
• Regulatory Impact Assessment
• Policy Reform and Implementation Strategies

Case Study & Practical Application: Evaluate a policy intervention and develop evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

Module 7: Development Analytics and Performance Measurement

• Development Indicators and Results Frameworks
• Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Indicators
• Outcome and Impact Measurement
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Logical Frameworks and Results Chains
• Development Data Systems and National Statistical Systems
• Trend Analysis and Forecasting
• Risk Analysis and Scenario Planning

Case Study & Practical Application: Develop a performance measurement framework for a development programme.

Module 8: Data Visualization and Evidence Communication

• Principles of Data Visualization
• Data Storytelling for Decision-Makers
• Dashboard Design and Development
• Visualization Using Power BI and Excel
• Communicating Complex Data Effectively
• Research Reporting Techniques
• Executive Summaries and Technical Reports
• Presenting Evidence to Decision-Makers

Case Study & Practical Application: Develop data visualizations and dashboards to communicate development programme results.

Module 9: Policy Brief Development and Knowledge Management

• Policy Brief Writing Techniques
• Translating Evidence into Policy Recommendations
• Communicating Research to Policy Makers
• Advocacy and Policy Influence Strategies
• Knowledge Management Frameworks
• Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
• Communities of Practice
• Evidence Utilization for Programme Improvement

Case Study & Practical Application: Develop a policy brief addressing a priority policy or development challenge.

Module 10: Emerging Trends in Research, Policy and Development Analytics

• Artificial Intelligence for Research and Analytics
• Big Data Applications in Development
• Open Data and Data Sharing Frameworks
• Real-Time Monitoring and Decision Support Systems
• Geospatial Analytics and GIS Applications
• Predictive Analytics for Development Planning
• Future Trends in Evidence-Based Policymaking
• Building Data-Driven Organizations

Case Study & Practical Application: Develop and present a research and policy analytics project that addresses a real-world development challenge using evidence-based approaches.