Develop a feasible research and evaluation approach for an HIV programme. Connect a clear programme theory with appropriate measures, ethical data collection and careful interpretation. Integrate the preceding subjects in an evaluation-ready improvement proposal.

Learning outcomes

  • Formulate a focused research or evaluation question.
  • Justify methods suited to the question and available resources.
  • Develop a monitoring framework with operational indicator definitions.
  • Interpret findings without overstating causation.
  • Produce an integrated programme improvement proposal and evaluation plan.

Main topics

  • Research questions and critical evidence review
  • Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
  • Theory of change and programme logic
  • Indicators, baselines, targets and data quality
  • Process, outcome and equity evaluation
  • Ethics, consent and confidentiality
  • Community-led monitoring
  • Learning, reporting and use of findings

Practical task

Build a capstone dossier for one fictional or approved HIV programme. Include a short evidence review, theory of change, indicator matrix, research protocol, data-protection plan and a worked analysis using public aggregate or synthetic data. Integrate the policy, care-pathway and financing work completed earlier. Research involving people requires prior institutional approval and informed consent.

Assessment

Submit the capstone dossier and complete an individual oral presentation. Assessment considers methodological coherence, ethical safeguards, evidence quality, integration across subjects and practical use of findings.