BAS5555 · Advanced evaluation of change projects

Overview

Behavioural and systemic change projects exist in complex, evolving contexts. Effectively monitoring progress and evaluating the impact of projects are essential to knowing what is working and what is not, where adjustments need to be made, and where successful change can be attributed so that impactful ideas can be scaled and built upon. Key to this is an evaluative and developmental mindset: the curiosity, knowledge and resourcefulness to apply practical methods to plan and implement a rigorous evaluation process and to analyse and communicate impact to relevant audiences. This unit focuses on a deep exploration of the research and diagnostic tools needed for continuous tracking and evaluation of both behaviour change and systems transformation. You will learn evaluation methods using real-world case studies and projects of varying degrees of complexity. You will also learn from behaviour change, systems transformation and societal transitions experts from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, and have the opportunity to apply your learning through completing an evaluation plan that builds on an existing professional challenge or a provided case study.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of research and the need to systematically monitor and evaluate progress towards a planned solution;
2. Critically evaluate a range of evaluation methods and tools, and how they can be integrated to assess change across complex challenges;
3. Select appropriate methods for measuring change and evaluating impact, using audience insights, research evidence, and relevant principles from behaviour and systemic change practice;
4. Collaboratively create and deliver an evaluation plan based on a theory of change, in consideration of units of analysis; appropriate measures; and practical study designs;
5. Reflect on the ethical implications of monitoring and evaluation practice, and the ethical principles that underpin research;
6. Effectively discuss and communicate change outcomes using pertinent disciplinary, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and other ways of knowing.

Workload

In total, you can expect to commit a total of ~144 hours of independent and collaborative work across the teaching period. This unit will be delivered over an intensive period of 6 weeks in Summer A. In weeks 1-5 you will be expected to complete 24 hours of learning, which includes: • One 2.5 hour online workshop; • 12 hours of asynchronous online learning, and • 9.5 hours of independent study towards assignments. In week 6 you will be expected to attend: • a three-day experiential on-campus Masterclass at the Clayton campus.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.