Global Certificate Course in Development Evaluation Strategies
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in development evaluation and the instructor of our new Global Certificate Course in Development Evaluation Strategies. Welcome, Jane! GUEST: Thanks for having me! I'm excited to be here. HOST: To start, can you tell us about your personal experiences and insights related to this course topic? GUEST: Absolutely! I've spent over 15 years working in international development, and I've seen firsthand how crucial effective evaluation strategies are to the success of development programs. HOST: That's so true. Now, what current industry trends do you think are most relevant to this course? GUEST: There's a growing emphasis on results-based management and using both qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluation. We also see a need for more practical experience, which our course addresses through case studies and exercises. HOST: Speaking of challenges, what are some common obstacles you've encountered or observed in the field or while teaching this subject? GUEST: One challenge is the lack of standardization in evaluation methods, which can lead to inconsistent results. Another is the perception that evaluation is an added burden, rather than an integral part of program management. HOST: Great points. Looking to the future, what do you envision for the field or industry, and how does this course prepare learners for those changes? GUEST: I believe we'll continue to see a greater emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management. Our course equips learners with the skills to contribute to more effective development programs, even as the field evolves. HOST: That's exciting! Thank you so much for sharing your insights today, Dr. Smith. Listeners, be sure to check out the Global Certificate Course in Development Evaluation Strategies and start strengthening your evaluation skills!
