What you'll learn

  • A framework for thinking about various types of evidence—from benchmarking and performance measurement to impact evaluation—and their relationship to one another

  • Methods for analyzing administrative data to identify potential points for intervention to improve long-term goals


     

  • Tools to measure the effectiveness of your program as well as strategies for generating short- and longer-term assessments of the impact of your programs on participants

  • Tactics for integrating qualitative and quantitative data to assess a program's effectiveness


     

  • A deeper understanding of how to make decisions about the best way to spend your limited research budget


     

  • A framework for thinking about various types of evidence—from benchmarking and performance measurement to impact evaluation—and their relationship to one another


     

Course description

In all organizations, managers like you are under increasing pressure to demonstrate program effectiveness through evidence-based decision-making. But what constitutes reliable and valid evidence of effectiveness and how can it be generated to assess a program’s effectiveness? What data should be collected? How should managers use it?

Leading Successful Programs: Using Evidence to Assess Effectiveness will challenge you to rethink your programs' goals and reassess how you gather, evaluate, and use data to determine their effectiveness. This program considers many types of evaluations—including design, process and impact—as well as a wide range of methodologies. Special attention is paid to the use of data from evaluations and other types of evidence to help you provide better leadership and make more effective decisions about your programs.

The July 2025 session of Leading Successful Programs offers a unique hybrid format, where participants can choose to attend either online or on-campus. Participants will engage in the same curriculum, with those in the classroom joining a virtual cohort, creating opportunities for interaction across both groups. This hybrid approach allows for dynamic discussions and collaboration, regardless of location.


 

Instructors

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