Policy Evaluation

Module description

This module explores the different approaches to policy evaluation and their benefits and limitations. It gives guidance on how to assess existing evaluations and on carrying out policy evaluations.

Programme Day One:

• Evaluation and Public Policy (What is Policy Evaluation?;
• Evaluation and the Policy Process;
• Evaluation and Stakeholders)Developing Evaluation Designs (Criteria/What?; Types of Evaluation;
• Evaluation Design

Programme Day Two:

• Data Collection (validity and reliability);
• Managing Evaluation (critiques and practical examples)

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the principles of policy evaluation;
• Critically assess the different approaches to policy evaluation and its design, and compare their advantages and disadvantages
• Critically assess existing policy evaluations, and advise on appropriate application in different contexts;
• Draw appropriate inferences, including making judgements in the absence of reliable and complete data, and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
• Evaluate policy

Assessment

Evaluation report : 2000 word report

Evaluate a recent policy of a national or local organisation. This might, for example, focus on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; Payment by Results; urban regeneration; or school reorganisation.

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The optional modules listed on the website for this programme may unfortunately occasionally be subject to change. As you will appreciate key members of staff may leave the University and this necessitates a review of the modules that are offered. Where the module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you make other choices.