Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course

Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course

Introduction

In today's knowledge-driven economy, the assessment and evaluation of research impact are critical for demonstrating value, enhancing accountability, and guiding strategic funding decisions. Research Impact Assessment (RIA) enables universities, think tanks, NGOs, and policymakers to measure the tangible and intangible outcomes of research across disciplines, ensuring alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), innovation policies, and public interests. Effective RIA requires robust methodologies, data-driven evaluation frameworks, and multidisciplinary approaches to capture societal, economic, and policy impacts in diverse sectors.

Research Impact Assessment and Evaluation Methodologies Training Course equips participants with cutting-edge tools, qualitative and quantitative techniques, and global best practices for evaluating research outcomes. Participants will gain practical expertise in designing Theory of Change models, applying bibliometrics, altmetrics, and qualitative impact pathways, ensuring research excellence and visibility. By integrating global case studies and participatory evaluation methods, the course enhances capacity for evidence-based policy-making, research funding decisions, and strategic planning.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the principles of Research Impact Assessment (RIA) and its relevance in the research ecosystem.
2. Explore theories of change and logic models for mapping research impact pathways.
3. Apply qualitative and quantitative evaluation methodologies for diverse research contexts.
4. Utilize bibliometrics, citation analysis, and altmetrics for measuring scholarly influence.
5. Integrate social return on investment (SROI) and economic evaluation tools in research impact.
6. Analyze policy impact evaluation methods for evidence-informed decision-making.
7. Assess research contributions to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national development.
8. Design effective stakeholder engagement frameworks for impact assessment.
9. Develop data collection and analysis strategies for impact evidence generation.
10. Employ mixed-methods approaches to capture complex research impacts.
11. Critically evaluate ethical considerations and biases in impact evaluation.
12. Explore global best practices and case studies on successful impact assessment.
13. Enhance skills in reporting and communicating research impact to diverse audiences.

Target Audience

1. University Research Managers and Administrators
2. Policy Makers and Government Officials
3. Donor Agencies and Funding Bodies
4. Research Institutions and Think Tanks
5. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialists
6. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
7. Academics and Scholars
8. Data Analysts and Impact Consultants

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Research Impact Assessment

• Definition and scope of Research Impact Assessment
• Importance of RIA in the research ecosystem
• Key principles and frameworks
• Global trends and policy relevance
• Challenges in assessing research impact
• Case Study: The REF Framework in the UK

Module 2: Theories of Change and Logic Models

• Understanding Theory of Change (ToC)
• Designing research impact pathways
• Logic models for impact planning
• Linking research to SDGs and national priorities
• Visualization tools for impact mapping
• Case Study: CSIRO's Impact Framework

Module 3: Bibliometrics, Altmetrics, and Scholarly Metrics

• Introduction to bibliometrics and citation analysis
• Utilizing altmetrics for societal impact measurement
• Data sources and analytic tools
• Limitations of traditional metrics
• Emerging trends in digital metrics
• Case Study: Altmetric Data in Health Research Impact

Module 4: Economic Evaluation and Social Return on Investment (SROI)

• Principles of economic evaluation in research
• Calculating SROI for research initiatives
• Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
• Applying economic tools in public research funding
• Limitations and ethical considerations
• Case Study: Evaluating Health Research ROI in Africa

Module 5: Policy Impact Evaluation

• Methods for policy impact assessment
• Tracing research influence on policy decisions
• Data collection techniques for policy evaluation
• Stakeholder analysis and policy mapping
• Communicating evidence to policymakers
• Case Study: Policy Impact of Climate Research in the EU

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement in Impact Assessment

• Identifying and categorizing stakeholders
• Co-production of knowledge with stakeholders
• Designing engagement strategies
• Tools for participatory impact assessment
• Managing stakeholder expectations
• Case Study: Engaging Indigenous Communities in Environmental Research

Module 7: Mixed-Methods Approaches and Data Analytics

• Combining qualitative and quantitative methods
• Data integration strategies
• Advanced analytics tools for impact assessment
• Big data applications in RIA
• Ethical data management
• Case Study: Using Mixed-Methods in Educational Research Impact

Module 8: Reporting, Communication, and Ethical Considerations

• Principles of effective impact reporting
• Communication strategies for diverse audiences
• Visualization techniques for impact data
• Ethical issues in research evaluation
• Overcoming bias in reporting
• Case Study: Communicating Impact in the REF2021

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures with multimedia presentations
• Group discussions and participatory exercises
• Practical hands-on sessions with real datasets
• Case study analysis and reflections
• Role-playing for stakeholder engagement
• Step-by-step guidance on developing impact pathways

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.