Program Page

This course will discuss a range of analytical techniques that can be used to answer key policy questions. Participants will learn how to measure the impact of policy and whether or not a particular policy improves individuals' lives. The focus of the course will be on the assumptions, purpose and limitations of the techniques, rather than formulae and equations.

Key topics include:

  • Introduction to data: assessing whether the evidence is sufficient, its quality, and how it can be inferred for decision-making
  • The essentials of exploratory data analysis: introduction to the data collection process and types of data and quality
  • Advanced exploratory data analysis
  • Introduction to key policy evaluation techniques

Format: Online

Duration: 1 week (excluding orientation)

Commitment: 3-4 hours per week

Cost: $1,495 (or $1,195 for early bird registrations by 30 May)

Start/end date: 30 June - 2 July 2025 with a course orientation / meet and greet on 27 June

Group discounts available.

Testimonials

The process of working the group through specific statistical and analytical concepts and methodologies, supported by knowledge verification was a good approach for me.

I though the convener Hoa Nguyen was excellent and assisted the group to understand and apply some very complex concepts and approaches.

Real-world Application

The analytical techniques introduced in this course can be applied to answer key policy questions, measure the impact of policy and whether or not a particular policy improves individuals' lives.

Course curriculum

  • Module 1 ​​Introduction to data
  • Module 2 ​The essentials of exploratory data analysis
  • Module 3 Advanced exploratory data analysis
  • Module 4 ​Policy evaluation

Session schedule

This course will run as an online and distance program in 2025. It is scheduled to run across four weeks, 30 June - 2 July 2025 with a course orientation / meet and greet on 27 June. Specific dates and times to note in your diary are as follows:

  • 10:00-11:00am Friday 27 June 2025 - course introduction, meet and greet 
  • 10:00-11:30am Monday 30 June 2025 
  • 12:00-1:30pm Monday 30 June 2025 
  • 10:00-11:30am Wednesday 2 July 2025 
  • 12:00-1:30pm Wednesday 2 July 2025 

Note: Dates and times are in Canberra time (AEDT). The calendar invite for each session should automatically adjust to your timezone when you add it to your calendar. You can check at a site like this to be sure.

Learning outcomes

  • Assess the quality of data in research and Government reports
  • Understand the rationale of major contemporary approaches to the measurement of impact of Government policies
  • Critically assess the validity of causal claims in quantitative analysis
  • Determine the appropriate techniques to evaluate the impact of an event

 

Who is this course for?

  • Anyone interested in learning more about the analytical techniques that can be used to answer key policy questions.

Presenter

A picture of Dr Hoa Nguyen

Dr Hoa Nguyen

Hoa Nguyen is a Research Fellow at the Crawford School of Public Policy. She is interested in analyzing economic policies in health and food security, and issues related to climate change, inequality and poverty. Her research has been published in the world’s leading international journals, including Political Analysis, Journal of Agricultural Economics, Land Economics, Ecological Economics, Economic Modelling and World Development. Hoa teaches Econometric Techniques, Mathematical Methods in Applied Economics, and Microeconomic Analysis and Policy at the postgraduate level.

Online training: How it works

This is a real-time, date-specific course, in which you will join live classes, engage and connect with experts, other course participants and the Executive Education team. Here’s how it works:

  • Pre-course live session. This is an opportunity for you to grab a cuppa and join our meet and greet before the course commences.
  • Practice + Study. Set aside up to 2 hours per day – this time commitment will vary depending on how deeply you choose to engage with the material. It is up to you.
  • Course pack. Each participant will receive a carefully curated workbook, which includes everything you need to guide you through the course.
  • Live sessions with presenter. This is a specified date and time for you to come together with the presenter and other participants to consolidate your learning.
  • Post-course. On completion of the course, you will receive your post-course resources for your reference and further learning.

 

Why choose online training?

  • No time off work – study and practice when you can.
  • Busy schedule? No problem, you can go at your own pace, join just the live classes, and do the course work whenever suits you best. We know that work and family obligations can be overwhelming. Mix and match the schedule to fit your life.
  • No travel. This is a course right at your fingertips. With no travel expenses, this is a very affordable option for high-level training with world-leading experts.
  • Live interaction with world-leading experts. You’ll have direct access to all the best resources and trainers.
  • Working remotely? With the online and distance format, we welcome participants from around the world to join us.

 

FAQs

What if I can’t make a live session? No problem, we understand you are busy. Live sessions are recorded for you to catch up in your own time.

What if I’m in a different time zone? All advertised course times from 6th October 2024 to 6th April 2025 are scheduled in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT) otherwise known as GMT+11. From 6th April 2025 scheduled times are Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) or GMT+10. Convert for your time zone here.

What if I am not tech savvy? As long as you have access to a phone or computer, you will have no problems. Our online courses require a working laptop, desktop or smart device with good internet connection. Bring your headset. Join the tech-check session for support and insider tips.

I would like to purchase multiple courses, are there any discounts available? Yes, discount offers are available if you would like to book multiple courses throughout the year. You may contact us to discuss further options.

I work for a company or organisation that would like to enrol multiple employees in the same time. Is it possible? Yes, discounted rates are available for groups attending from the same organisation. Get in touch with us if you want to register as a group.

Can’t find the answers are you looking for? Contact our team for support at csee@anu.edu.au.