In this seminar you will learn about theory-based impact evaluation, drawing on the latest advances made in terms of methodologies for impact evaluation from impact evaluation expert Benedict ;We will show you how theory-based impact evaluation can match the rigour associated with counter-factual impact evaluation and when it might be a better approach to determining how  interventions can be more ;We will cover in particular Process Tracing, Congruence Analysis, Qualitative Comparative Analysis, Pawson and Tilley’s Realist Evaluation and Mayne’s Contribution Analysis.

By the end of the seminar you will be able to more effectively design and commission theory-based impact ;To help you to do so we will: 

• Distribute pre-reading material so you can prepare yourself for the seminar and thus to maximise the benefit you will gain from it
• Give you initial input explaining the methodologies
• Use case studies to explain how these methodologies work
• Give you exercises to better understand the practical application of the methodologies.

You will also have the chance to discuss with other participants and the project leaders approaches which you have used or are planning to use.

This two-day seminar is for public officials from EU Member States, candidate countries, the EU institutions and other multilateral institutions, as well as auditors, consultants, staff of NGOs, and other stakeholders with experience of the process of impact evaluation of policies, programmes and projects.