Purpose
The purpose of this course is to equip middle and senior managers in the public service to strengthen their understanding and application of the National Evaluation System. It is part of the initiative to build evaluation capacity within government departments and to improve overall performance, accountability and effectiveness.
This course is intended to enable government departments to use evaluations such that they will contribute to sound governance by improving evidence-based policy making (including budget decision making), policy development, management and accountability. Evaluation in particular is a decision-making tool to be incorporated into the planning cycle and the performance management of government. It assesses achievements to satisfy external requirements, and provide information that can be used to improve policies and programmes and to document accomplishments of failures. Evaluations can provide feedback and motivation innovations and support continued programme improvement.
This course aims to support participants to develop terms of reference for managing their evaluation. Also to provide support to programme managers and Monitoring and Evaluation advisors through the eight important stages of effectively undertaking evaluations.
Target Group
This course is aimed at middle and senior managers in the public sector that have responsibilities to manage and commission evaluations whether directly and indirectly. This includes programme managers, M&E and government evaluation specialists to ensure quality evaluations within government departments.
Minimum Requirements for Enrolment
It is recommended that learners attending this course should possess the following:-
- Communication at NQF level 4
- Attended the course in Introduction to monitoring and evaluation offered by the National School of Government
- Working knowledge of the monitoring and evaluation principles
- Awareness of the legislative environment within impinging on evaluations
- Understanding of the general public service imperatives
Learning Outcomes
After completing this course learner will be expected to:
- Understand and apply National Evaluation Policy Framework and other frameworks that support evaluations to develop policy and improve effectiveness of government programmes.
- Develop key information for an evaluation terms of reference.
- Understand Evaluability
- Define an appropriate evaluation approach for programmes
- Define evaluation questions for their programme Results.
- Managing an evaluation process that ensures high ethical standards
Accreditation
This outcomes based course is non-credit bearing.
| Unit Standard ID | Code | NQF Level | Credits |
| None | HR248 | 0 | 0 |
Assessment Approach
The course consists of five days facilitated training with discussions and practical exercises for participants to work individually or in small groups to develop individual skills and apply the course content in their own contexts. Formative assessments will be conducted during classroom sessions to assess understanding of the knowledge gained. At the end of the course learners will receive a certificate of attendance.
Duration
This course is presented over 5 working days.