Girika Sharma, a senior research analyst at the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), attended a training workshop on Impact Evaluation of Development Programs held during 22-24 October 2024. The workshop focused on key methodologies and techniques for impact evaluation in development programs. Day 1 began with an introduction to impact evaluation, including when and why it is necessary. Key topics included understanding selection bias, random assignment, and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Participants learned how well-designed evaluations contribute to policy and program effectiveness, followed by a hands-on exercise to design RCTs.
On Day 2, the focus shifted to practical applications, including randomised evaluations in public health programs and the challenges of survey design. The use of Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was discussed to control for confounding variables, alongside other non-randomised methods like Differences-in-Differences (DID) and Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD). A group exercise on selecting appropriate evaluation designs followed.
Day 3 covered mixed-methods approaches, integrating qualitative and quantitative data, and using software tools for analysis. Participants engaged in stakeholder mapping and policy influence planning, followed by a final quiz and certificate distribution.