Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Social Impact Assessment

• Understanding the importance of social impact analysis
• Exploring philosophies guiding impact measurement
• Developing a social impact hypothesis
• Using Microsoft Excel for basic impact tracking
• Case Study: Create an impact hypothesis for a nonprofit

Module 2: Building an Impact Framework

• Defining breadth, depth, and focus of impact
• Identifying target populations and stakeholders
• Constructing a comprehensive impact framework
• Aligning frameworks with organizational goals
• Case Study: Design an impact framework for a social enterprise

Module 3: Crafting a Theory of Change

• Overview of the Theory of Change methodology
• Building hypotheses into a Theory of Change
• Avoiding common pitfalls in theory development
• Linking impact to organizational value
• Case Study: Develop a Theory of Change for an initiative

Module 4: Data Collection for Impact Measurement

• Exploring Acumen’s Lean Data approach
• Selecting effective data collection methods
• Using surveys and interviews for impact data
• Analyzing data with tools like Google Forms
• Case Study: Design a lean data collection plan

Module 5: Future Trends and Impact Optimization

• Exploring future trends in social impact analysis
• Translating impact hypotheses to customer promises
• Optimizing impact through continuous improvement
• Reviewing case studies of successful impact measurement
• Case Study: Propose an impact optimization strategy