Applied Policy Evaluation

Module Code: ECP77193

ECTS Credit: 5
Mandatory/Optional: Mandatory
Period: Year 1 Semester 1
Module Coordinator: Professor Seamus McGuinness

Module Content

This module will provide students with an understanding of the role of policy evaluation in informing evidence-based policy. By the end of the module students will be familiar with the rationale underpinning policy evaluation and have a good understanding of the application of applied policy evaluation within an Irish context. The lectures will cover evaluation approaches across a number of areas including labour market programmes, capital expenditure, grant assistance and environmental / amenities programmes and cost-benefit analysis. Teaching will focus on, and criticallyassess, examples of policy evaluation within an Irish context.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

MLO4.1   Discuss how policy evaluations and systematic reviews of evidence can best inform policy debates and policy development
MLO4.2 Discuss the areas where applied policy evaluation is most important.
MLO4.3 Critically evaluate and contrast the various methodologies that are most relevant to areas of evaluation.
MLO4.4   Discuss the various forms of bias that must be overcome to ensure effective policy evaluation.
MLO4.5   Identify situations where mixed methods evaluation techniques are necessary.
MLO4.6   Discuss why some areas of policy cannot be effectively evaluated and suggest alternative approaches.
MLO4.7    Define and formulate practical approached to evaluate policy.