COURSE TITLE: Applied Research and Evaluation Project

Course Code: RMEL 299
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Project Supervision: 1 hour/week

• Practical / Fieldwork / Computer Laboratory: 5 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)

Prerequisite:

• RMEL 201 – Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

• RMEL 202 – Digital Data Collection and Management

• RMEL 203 – Statistical Data Analysis using SPSS

1. Course Description

This capstone course provides students with the opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies acquired throughout the Professional Certificate in Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (RMEL). Students undertake an individual or small-group applied research or programme evaluation project addressing a real-world problem from government, business, non-governmental organisations, humanitarian agencies, education, health, environmental management, journalism, or community development.

Students are expected to complete the entire evidence-generation cycle, including problem identification, proposal development, research or evaluation design, digital data collection, data management, statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics, interpretation of findings, and preparation of a professional technical report. The project emphasises ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making, and effective communication of findings to technical and non-technical audiences.

Through supervised fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and project presentations, students demonstrate professional competence in planning, implementing, analysing, and reporting applied research and evaluation activities consistent with industry and academic standards.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Design and implement an applied research or programme evaluation project.

2. Integrate research, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks into project planning.

3. Develop and deploy digital data collection instruments.

4. Collect, manage, and validate research data ethically and professionally.

5. Analyse quantitative data using IBM SPSS Statistics.

6. Interpret statistical findings to answer research or evaluation questions.

7. Prepare professional technical reports and presentations.

8. Demonstrate independent problem-solving, project management, and professional communication skills.

3. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Formulate a research problem or evaluation objective.

• Develop an appropriate research or evaluation methodology.

• Design digital data collection instruments using appropriate platforms.

• Collect and manage field data according to professional standards.

• Perform statistical analyses using IBM SPSS Statistics.

• Interpret and discuss findings in relation to project objectives.

• Produce a comprehensive professional research or evaluation report.

• Present and defend project findings before an academic or professional audience.