Project design and evaluation course

Lesson 1 • What Is a Project?

Defines projects by their distinguishing features versus ongoing day-to-day managerial operations. Establishes shared vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Stakeholder Identification and Analysis

Introduces methods for identifying and categorizing stakeholders. Provides tools to assess influence, interest, and engagement needs.

Lesson 3 • Project Life Cycle Overview

Maps the standard phases from initiation to closure. Connects phase transitions to decision gates and deliverables.

Lesson 4 • Project Design Principles

Establishes guiding principles—relevance, coherence, feasibility, sustainability—that govern sound design. Applies these as evaluation criteria throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Results Chain Construction

Builds a complete input-to-impact results chain aligned with the logframe. Reinforces the distinction between levels of results.

Lesson 2 • Logical Framework Approach

Introduces the logframe matrix as a structured design and communication tool. Connects each cell to the theory of change developed earlier.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Results-Based Management

Explains the shift from activity-focused to results-focused project management. Positions results-based management as the backbone of modern project design.

Lesson 4 • Theory of Change Development

Guides construction of a theory of change from problem analysis to long-term vision. Emphasises explicit assumptions and causal pathways.

Lesson 1 • Indicator Types and Selection

Classifies indicators by type—quantitative, qualitative, process, and impact. Guides selection based on measurability, relevance, and cost.

Lesson 2 • Indicator Verification and Quality Assurance

Establishes protocols for verifying indicator data quality and reliability. Links data quality to credible evaluation findings.

Lesson 3 • Baseline Data and Target Setting

Explains how baseline data anchors target-setting and progress measurement. Covers methods for collecting baseline information before project start.

Lesson 4 • Indicator Reference Sheets

Introduces the indicator reference sheet as a documentation standard. Ensures each indicator has a clear definition, source, frequency, and responsible party.

Lesson 1 • Activity Planning and Sequencing

Breaks down project outputs into discrete, schedulable activities. Applies dependency analysis to sequence activities logically.

Lesson 2 • Resource Mobilisation Strategy

Identifies funding sources and partnership models to secure project resources. Aligns resource mobilisation with project design logic.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling Tools and Techniques

Introduces Gantt charts and network diagrams as scheduling instruments. Connects schedule to resource availability and project constraints.

Lesson 4 • Budget Development and Cost Estimation

Covers cost estimation methods and budget line-item structuring. Links budget categories directly to work plan activities.

Lesson 1 • Risk Identification Methods

Applies structured techniques to surface risks across all project dimensions. Connects risk identification to stakeholder and context analysis.

Lesson 2 • Risk Monitoring and Updating

Establishes a process for tracking risks throughout project implementation. Links risk monitoring to adaptive management decisions.

Lesson 3 • Risk Concepts and Taxonomy

Defines risk, uncertainty, and related concepts in the project context. Categorises risks by source—contextual, programmatic, fiduciary, and reputational.

Lesson 4 • Risk Response and Mitigation Planning

Develops response strategies—avoid, reduce, transfer, accept—for prioritised risks. Embeds mitigation actions into the work plan and budget.

Lesson 1 • Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs

Explains randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental alternatives for impact evaluation. Addresses feasibility and ethical considerations in design selection.

Lesson 2 • Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Trains students in interviews, focus groups, and observation as primary qualitative tools. Emphasises rigour through sampling, protocol design, and documentation.

Lesson 3 • Survey Design and Quantitative Tools

Covers questionnaire design, sampling, and basic statistical analysis for project evaluation. Addresses common survey errors and mitigation strategies.

Lesson 4 • Evidence Quality and Evaluation Standards

Applies internationally recognised evaluation criteria—relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability—to assess evidence quality. Prepares students to judge and commission evaluations.

Lesson 1 • M&E System Architecture

Defines the components of an M&E system and their interrelationships. Positions M&E as a management tool, not just a governance compliance requirement.

Lesson 2 • Evaluation Design Fundamentals

Introduces evaluation types—formative, summative, process, and impact—and their purposes. Guides selection of evaluation design based on project phase and question.

Lesson 3 • Data Analysis and Sense-Making

Covers quantitative and qualitative analysis methods appropriate for project M&E. Emphasises translating data into actionable findings.

Lesson 4 • Monitoring Plan Development

Builds a monitoring plan specifying what data to collect, how, when, and by whom. Aligns the plan with the indicator reference sheets from Chapter 3.

Lesson 1 • Portfolio and Programme Design

Extends single-project logic to multi-project programmes and portfolios. Addresses interdependencies, synergies, and portfolio-level results.

Lesson 2 • Sustainability Planning in Design

Embeds financial, institutional, and environmental sustainability into project design from the start. Links sustainability planning to exit strategy development.

Lesson 3 • Design Review and Quality Assurance

Applies structured design review processes to assess and improve project proposals. Prepares students to lead and participate in peer review panels.

Lesson 4 • Designing for Scale and Replication

Identifies design features that enable successful scaling of project models. Distinguishes scaling strategies—horizontal, vertical, and functional.