EduXchange.nl

Impact Assessment of Policies and Programmes

DEC32806

About this course

Governments, NGOs and the private sector implement numerous projects and programmes to promote development (ie to combat poverty, increase production, maintain natural resources, etc). There is an increased interest in evidence driven policy making and to learn what works and why. Understanding how 'evidence' is created is hence a critical component for academics and policy makers alike. In this course, we go from economic theory to the design of impact evaluations using quantitative methods. Students learn the (dis)advantages of the core methods used in the literature, critically review applications from development economics, and work to design their own. These methods include randomized experiments, difference in differences, instrumental variables and matching.

Learning outcomes

  • Compare and explain quantitative impact assessment methods

  • Analyze and interpret existing Impact assessments in relation to economic theory and policy objectives

  • Analyze the quality and appraise the policy implications of Impact assessments performed by others

  • Design their own Impact assessments

  • Investigate Impact assessment using existing studies and data

Assessment method

  • Written test with open and closed questions (40%)
  • Assignment other (15%) Assignments
  • Assignment report (45%) Individual or group paper, article, essay, report and/or design.

Prior knowledge

AEP21306 Econometrics, MAT20306 Advanced Statistics

Resources

  • To be announced. See course guide.

Additional information

course
6 ECTS
  • Level
    master
  • Mode of instruction
    on campus
If anything remains unclear, please check the FAQ of Wageningen University.

Starting dates

  • 5 Jan 2026

    ends 1 Feb 2026

    LanguageEnglish
    Term *P3
    Period 3 whole day
    Register before 23 Nov, 23:59
These offerings are valid for students of TU Eindhoven