IRVAPP BASIC SCHOOL 2021 - Fundamentals and methods for impact evaluation of public policies (ONLINE)

Dates: September 6-10, 13-15, 2021

The course is designed to be of particular benefit to PhD students and researchers in all Social Sciences needing to undertake policy evaluation analysis using microdata. The school will present 1) the fundamental principles of impact evaluation with a specific focus on the counterfactual theory of causal inference and 2) a variety of statistical tools for counterfactual analysis (including Matching methods, Instrumental Variables, Regression Discontinuity Designs, Difference-in-Differences, and Synthetic Control Methods). Extensive laboratory sessions will provide the opportunity to apply the various techniques to specific education and anti-poverty policies.

The 13th edition of this school will run over the course of eight days with theoretical and practical sessions, from September 6 to September 10, 2021 and from September 13 to September 15, 2021 – 2.00pm to 5.30pm (30mins break at 3.30pm). The school consists of 16 slots (9 theoretical sessions and 7 training sessions); each slot lasts 90 minutes. The training sessions will be in Stata: a temporary Stata license will be released on demand.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the school will be held online. The course will be taught in English. All the slides used by instructors will be sent to participants prior to the beginning of the school. All lectures link will be sent some days before the lecture.

Targeted audience

This is a basic course on quantitative empirical methods for policy evaluation.

Training will require previous knowledge of basic principles for quantitative methods that correspond to those taught in introductory courses of statistics and econometrics at the undergraduate level. At least, working knowledge of regression and multivariate analysis is expected. Although the exercises will be guided, basic familiarity with Stata is strongly recommended.

Tuition Fees:

The registration fee includes workshop materials. We are not in the position to offer any scholarship.

All bank charges are for the registrant’s account.

How to apply

Candidates can enroll using the link below and will be asked to complete a short application form. Enrollment and proof of completed payments are due by August 20, 2021. It is advisable that conditional on admission, payment is made at the earliest to secure your place on the program. Enrollment will be secured only after receipt of the payment notification. Payment must be done by bank transfer. Details will be provided in the notification of acceptance, conditional to the offer of a place.

Enrollment Link

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation of registration requests must be notified to [email protected].

Refund of the registration fee will be as follows:

• Cancellation requests received by June 30: full refund.
• Cancellation requests received by July 31: 50% refund.
• Cancellation requests received from August 1 and no-shows: no refund.

Refunds will be made via bank transfer, and all bank charges will be for the registrant’s account.