Duration: 5 Weeks (December 1 to January 10, 2026, with Christmas break)
Delivery Mode: (Hybrid: Online & In-Person)
Fees: ZMW 3,000 (Installment Plan Available) (Early Bird: ZMW 2,600)
Course Overview
The Advanced Research Consultant Course is a high-impact, practice-oriented programme that builds expert capacity to conduct complex research, evaluations, and policy analyses using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Participants gain advanced proficiency in data management tools—KoboToolbox, SPSS, Stata, NVivo, and Atlas. ti—and master contribution tracing, qualitative input assessment protocols, and comprehensive reporting for academic and consultancy projects. This course empowers professionals to design, analyze, and report evidence that drives strategic decisions, influences policy, and meets global donor standards.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Design rigorous quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research frameworks.
- Apply Contribution Tracing and Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs) to validate causal pathways and assess stakeholder contributions.
- Utilize Kobo-Toolbox, SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, and Atlas.ti for advanced data collection, analysis, and visualization.
- Conduct and report Baseline, Midline, Endline, and Impact Evaluations.
- Produce high-quality academic, professional, and donor-standard reports.
- Operate as competent independent or institutional research consultants.
Target Audience
- Professional Research Consultants
- Academics & PhD Students
- M&E and Learning Specialists
- NGO/INGO Program and Evaluation Staff
- Policy & Development Analysts
Course Structure (5-Week Intensive Programme)
Module 1: Advanced Research and Design Architecture
- Advanced Research Design: Mixed Methods & Sequential Designs
- Formulating Research Questions, Hypotheses & Causal Chains
- Measurement Theory: Validity, Reliability, and Construct Operationalization
- Ethical and Quality Assurance Standards in Research
- Contribution Analysis vs. Contribution Tracing – Understanding Attribution & Causality
- Integrating Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs) into Evaluation Designs
Deliverable:
Develop a detailed research design integrating quantitative, qualitative, and contribution tracing elements.
Module 2: Quantitative Research Design & Analysis
- Advanced Sampling and Data Collection Protocols
- Digital Survey Development using Kobo-Toolbox
- Data Cleaning, Coding, and Quality Checks
- Data Management and Statistical Modeling in SPSS & STATA
- Regression, ANOVA, Logistic Models, and Multivariate Techniques
- Econometric Applications for Impact Evaluation
- Data Visualization and Statistical Storytelling
Deliverable:
Quantitative dataset report demonstrating model interpretation using SPSS/STATA.
Module 3: Qualitative Research Mastery and QIAPs
- Qualitative Paradigms: Grounded Theory, Phenomenology, Case Study, Ethnography
- Designing and Conducting FGDs, KIIs, and Observations
- Data Transcription, Coding, and Thematic Mapping
- Hands-on with NVIVO and Atlas.ti for Qualitative Analysis
- Qualitative Input Assessment Protocols (QIAPs): Systematic frameworks for assessing the quality, credibility, and saturation of qualitative inputs
- Triangulation, Credibility, and Reflexivity in Qualitative Research
- Integrating Qualitative Findings into Quantitative Models
Deliverable:
Thematic analysis and qualitative input assessment matrix using NVIVO or Atlas. ti.
Module 4: Advanced Evaluation & Contribution Tracing
- Designing Evaluation Frameworks (ToC, Logframe, Results Frameworks)
- Differentiating Baseline, Midline, Endline, and Ex-Post Studies
- Contribution Tracing Techniques:
- Defining Causal Claims
- Assessing Evidence Strength
- Bayesian Updating for Confidence Scoring
- Tracing Pathways of Influence in Complex Systems
- Integrating QIAPs and Contribution Tracing into M&E systems
- Data Triangulation and Evidence Synthesis for Policy Influence
Deliverable:
Applied evaluation plan demonstrating contribution tracing and QIAP integration.
Module 5: Advanced Research Reporting and Consultancy Practice
- Writing Academic, Baseline, Midline, and Impact Reports
- Structuring Donor-Standard Reports for UN, USAID, FCDO, EU, and NGOs
- Data Visualization and Executive Summaries for Non-Technical Audiences
- Citation, Referencing, and Plagiarism Control (APA, Harvard, MLA)
- Proposal Writing & Response to ToRs (Consulting Bids and RFPs)
- Ethics, Contracts, and Client Relationship Management in Consultancy
- Building Your Research Portfolio and Digital Profile
Capstone Project:
Participants will design, execute, and present a full mixed-method research project incorporating all five software tools, contribution tracing, and QIAP frameworks.
Certification
Participants earn a Professional Certificate in Advanced Research Consulting (Quantitative & Qualitative)
Training Approach
- Expert-led Workshops & Software Labs
- Real-World Case Studies from Academic and Development Projects
- Peer Learning & Mentorship Circles
- Field Simulation Assignments
- Guided Capstone Supervision
Value Additions
- Free Installation Support for Kobo-Toolbox, SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, and Atlas.ti
- Access to Ready-to-Use Templates (Research Proposals, Evaluation Matrices, Reports)
- Post-course Membership to Research Consultant Mentorship Network
- Networking Opportunities with Regional Evaluation Experts
Register Now: (orostarconsultancy@gmail.com) +260 976 699 057 (Join via: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FDjqJT1jWgYBVbaZRBUGay?mode=wwt)
