Modern Methods of Programme and Policy Evaluation

Modern Methods of Programme and Policy Evaluation

3-4 October 2013

University of Strathclyde

This is an event that underpins a wide range of pathways to knowledge exchange. It is a comprehensive approach to understanding how to properly understand evidence in social sciences and how to draw correct conclusions from that evidence.

The intended audience is PhD students in economics and other social sciences who have desire to understand the logic underlying modern methods of programme and policy evaluation. The focus is primarily on how to apply these methods, which from a statistical point of view are not overly complicated. The event will consist of six modules presented by Professor Jochen Kluve, Humboldt University, Berlin. A background in regression analysis is required.

The programme of the event will be as follows:

Day 1

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Welcome and Lunch

1:00 – 2:30 p.m. Session 1 – Foundations of Causal Analysis and Program Evaluation Methods

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. Coffee break

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. Session 2 – Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)

Day 2

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Session 3 – Natural Experiment / Regression Discontinuity

10:30 – 11:00 a.m. Coffee break

11:00 – 12:30 a.m. Session 4 – Instrumental Variables

12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

1:30 – 3:00 p.m. Session 5 – Statistical Matching

3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Coffee break

3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Session 6 – Difference-in-Differences

The organiser of this event is Robert Wright and further questions can be directed to him at r.e.wright@strath.ac.uk

Students without pre-existing sources of funding for travel can apply for travel expenses to be reimbursed after the event. Accommodation, lunch and dinner will be provided to all participants.

The event will be held in the Senate Room, Collins Building at University of Strathclyde, 22 Richmond Street, Glasgow, G1 1XQ. For information on how to find the University of Strathclyde please visithttp://www.strath.ac.uk/visiting/gettingtostrathclyde/