Design and Evaluation of Development Policies
A.Y. 2022/2023
Learning objectives
Knowledge and comprehension of the main theoretical approaches and tools to analize and evaluate the human development processes and their main actors, in all the steps of the policy, program and project cycle management: agenda setting (identification), formulation, decision making, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Capacity to understand and elaborate on the theoretical links with other disciplines and research areas that are relevant for development policies. Basic knowledge and ability to apply main methodologies and operational tools for the Project Cycle Management, especially in the sector of international cooperation for development.
Expected learning outcomes
Capacity of analysing, selecting and using the project design and evaluation tools promoted by public cooperation agencies and NGOs.
Lesson period: Second trimester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second trimester
Course syllabus
First part:
1. Brief introductory analysis of the existing global situation concerning poverty, inequality, and human development, based on the capabilities approach. Main metrics for measurement and evaluation will be explained (indicators e indexes).
2. Public policies to promote development processes in the framework of the Agenda 2030 and SDGs.
3. Presentation and in-depth analysis of some specific sectors' critical issues (education, health, food security).
Second part:
1. Explanation of the main phases of the Project Cycle (identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), through direct participatory analysis of some different cases. Focus on the Logical Framework
2. Introduction to projects' evaluation: main methodologies, standards, and tools.
1. Brief introductory analysis of the existing global situation concerning poverty, inequality, and human development, based on the capabilities approach. Main metrics for measurement and evaluation will be explained (indicators e indexes).
2. Public policies to promote development processes in the framework of the Agenda 2030 and SDGs.
3. Presentation and in-depth analysis of some specific sectors' critical issues (education, health, food security).
Second part:
1. Explanation of the main phases of the Project Cycle (identification, formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation), through direct participatory analysis of some different cases. Focus on the Logical Framework
2. Introduction to projects' evaluation: main methodologies, standards, and tools.
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge required.
Teaching methods
Lessons will be integrated by an interactive and participatory in-depth analysis of the operative tools.
Teaching Resources
The following list of documents is the basis but it will be probably updated: students are required to refer to the course's page on Ariel.
1. UNDP, "Technical notes. Calculating the human development indices—graphical presentation". http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2020_technical_notes.pdf
2. General Assembly of the UN, "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E
3. J.D. Sachs, "The Age of Sustainable Development". A copy is available in the Faculty Library. Only the following chapters:
a) 1. Introduction to Sustainable Development (pages 1-44)
b) 8. Education for All (pages 251-274)
c) 9. Health for All (pages 275-316)
d) 10. Food Security (pages 317-354)
4. "The new European Consensus on Development", Only sections 3, 4 e 5, Pages 37-56
https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/system/files/european-consensus-on-development-final-20170626_en.pdf
5. "Global Human Development Report 2016", UNDP. Only pages 104-133. (If you need an explanation of the tables, you can find it from page 194 onwards). http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2016_human_development_report.pdf
6. "Human Development Report 2019 - Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in human development in the 21st century". Only chapter 2 and 7, pages 73-93 and 223-253.
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2019.pdf
7. "Human Development Report 2020 - The next frontier. Human development and the Anthropocene". Only chapter 3 (only pages 69-98) and only one of the following chapters:
a) 4. Empowering people, unleashing transformation (pages 132-156)
b) 5. Shaping incentives to navigate the future (pages 158-181)
c) 6. Building nature-based human development (pages 184-204).
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2020.pdf
8. EuropAid Cooperation Office, "Project Cycle Management Guidelines", pages 1-49, 57-84, and 100-125
https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/system/files/methodology-aid-delivery-methods-project-cycle-management-200403_en.pdf
9. "Better Criteria for Better Evaluation. Revised Evaluation Criteria Definitions and Principles for Use", OECD/DAC Network on Development Evaluation. https://www.oecd.org/dac/evaluation/revised-evaluation-criteria-dec-2019.pdf
1. UNDP, "Technical notes. Calculating the human development indices—graphical presentation". http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2020_technical_notes.pdf
2. General Assembly of the UN, "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development". https://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc.asp?symbol=A/RES/70/1&Lang=E
3. J.D. Sachs, "The Age of Sustainable Development". A copy is available in the Faculty Library. Only the following chapters:
a) 1. Introduction to Sustainable Development (pages 1-44)
b) 8. Education for All (pages 251-274)
c) 9. Health for All (pages 275-316)
d) 10. Food Security (pages 317-354)
4. "The new European Consensus on Development", Only sections 3, 4 e 5, Pages 37-56
https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/system/files/european-consensus-on-development-final-20170626_en.pdf
5. "Global Human Development Report 2016", UNDP. Only pages 104-133. (If you need an explanation of the tables, you can find it from page 194 onwards). http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2016_human_development_report.pdf
6. "Human Development Report 2019 - Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in human development in the 21st century". Only chapter 2 and 7, pages 73-93 and 223-253.
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2019.pdf
7. "Human Development Report 2020 - The next frontier. Human development and the Anthropocene". Only chapter 3 (only pages 69-98) and only one of the following chapters:
a) 4. Empowering people, unleashing transformation (pages 132-156)
b) 5. Shaping incentives to navigate the future (pages 158-181)
c) 6. Building nature-based human development (pages 184-204).
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/hdr2020.pdf
8. EuropAid Cooperation Office, "Project Cycle Management Guidelines", pages 1-49, 57-84, and 100-125
https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/system/files/methodology-aid-delivery-methods-project-cycle-management-200403_en.pdf
9. "Better Criteria for Better Evaluation. Revised Evaluation Criteria Definitions and Principles for Use", OECD/DAC Network on Development Evaluation. https://www.oecd.org/dac/evaluation/revised-evaluation-criteria-dec-2019.pdf
Assessment methods and Criteria
Three options are available:
1. Two assignments and a brief oral test:
- Group presentation on thematic policies for the SDGs OR individual paper (10,000 characters including spaces)
- Group project on a case study (production of a Logical Framework)
- Oral test on few selected readings
2. One assignment and an oral test:
- One of the individual/group works
- Oral test on the missing part
3. Final written test and/or oral test on the whole list of studying material.
1. Two assignments and a brief oral test:
- Group presentation on thematic policies for the SDGs OR individual paper (10,000 characters including spaces)
- Group project on a case study (production of a Logical Framework)
- Oral test on few selected readings
2. One assignment and an oral test:
- One of the individual/group works
- Oral test on the missing part
3. Final written test and/or oral test on the whole list of studying material.
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)