Project and Data Management for Equity Evaluation

This stream will suit equity professionals working in Australian universities.

This stream comprises 3 modules designed for intermediate to advanced learners, who have some experience and understanding of the SEHEEF and are directly involved in student equity evaluation projects.

Module 17: Data Quality and Standards

Overview

This module explains the importance of establishing and maintaining appropriate data management conditions to support high-quality evaluation outcomes. Building on the principles of ethical evaluation (see Module 3: Ethical Evaluation), it introduces the concept of data hygiene and discusses ethical data management, including the importance of identifying, articulating and addressing assumptions or limitations in relation to data used for equity program evaluation. It also touches on data privacy and security obligations, including the concept of informed consent and authorised collection, storage and use of personal data.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Understand the importance of data quality and standards in effective student equity evaluation.
• Understand ways to ensure evaluation data quality and adhere to applicable data standards and ethical obligations.

Module 18: Enabling and Embedding Evaluation Efforts

Overview

This module presents some guiding principles to help practitioners establish and embed an evaluation culture that supports meaningful CQI efforts and sets programs up for future impact evaluation. It discusses applicable systems and processes underpinning the collection and management of quality evaluation data, as well as the role practitioners must play in ensuring quality and standards. Some common data collection and analysis tools/software packages are also introduced, which can support these efforts.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Understand how to establish and embed a culture that supports quality student equity program evaluation.
• Be able to identify and implement key systems and processes to support quality evaluation practices.

Module 19: Engaging and Working with Evaluation Specialists

Overview

This module walks practitioners through the key steps involved in commissioning an impact evaluation. It begins by discussing when and why practitioners might seek to commission evaluation specialists to undertake an impact evaluation, including the benefits and challenges of engaging internal versus external specialists. It explains the tender process, including setting out specifications to help evaluation specialists understand your needs and respond to the tender, and key considerations in assessing proposals and selecting suitable specialists. The module then explores the importance of practitioner oversight and engagement with commissioned specialists, to ensure quality outcomes, cost efficiency and accurate interpretation of evaluation findings, and practitioners’ responsibility to share and act on associated findings.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module Learners will:

• Be able to prepare specifications to support a request for tender/quote to engage an evaluation specialist to undertake impact evaluation.
• Be able to assess proposals and select appropriate evaluation specialists to undertake impact evaluation.
• Understand their responsibilities in working with evaluation specialists and ensuring quality evaluation outcomes.

Once you successfully completed this stream, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.

Engage

This digital badge provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.

The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES, formerly the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education) is an evidence-based research and public policy centre funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and based at Curtin University.

ACSES is committed to providing the higher education sector with tangible proof of what works to improve the quality and impact of student equity practices in higher education.

For more information, visit acses.edu.au.

For more information on this stream, or any other questions about the Program, email us at acses@curtin.edu.au