scholarly journals Evaluating impacts of training in conservation: a case study in Mauritius

Oryx ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Sawrey ◽  
Jamie Copsey ◽  
E. J. Milner-Gulland

AbstractThe need for increased monitoring and evaluation within the conservation sector has been well documented, and includes the monitoring and evaluation of training activities. We evaluated the impacts of a long-term training programme in Mauritius, using a questionnaire and semi-structured key informant interviews to develop a theory of change from the perspective of the trainers, and validated it against participants' perceptions of the benefits of training. Our findings indicated that an important outcome of training was to increase participants' belief that they could effect change, also called perception of control; this is related to an increase in a trainee's practical skills, which enables them to become more effective in their work. However, if a trainee's work environment was negative, the impact of training on practical skills, job performance and perception of control was lower. Neither the acquisition of conservation theory nor the opportunity to network was perceived by participants as improving their conservation performance, despite trainers anticipating that these matters would be important. Perception of control and work environment should therefore be considered when designing conservation training programmes, and the effectiveness of teaching conservation theory and networking should be examined further.

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S126-S126
Author(s):  
Sophie Behrman ◽  
Aisling Higham ◽  
Haido Vlachos ◽  
Gerti Stegen

AimsThe BMA's survey results (Caring for the Mental Health of the Medical Workforce, 2019) and HEE's NHS Staff and Learners’ Mental Wellbeing Commission report (2019) highlighted declining staff wellbeing. The COVID-19 pandemic has sharpened focus on this and the effects of moral injury on healthcare professionals. Shielding, social distancing and redeployment led to many medical trainees being increasingly isolated at a time of heightened anxiety and adversity. Psychiatry trainees tend to have good access to reflective groups, but this is not customary in other training programmes.MethodIntervention“Trainees4trainees” was set up by trainees across specialties as a HEE-TV well-being project, led by the Deanery Trainee Improvement Fellow. Peer support groups are run on Zoom, facilitated by 2 trainees with special training in peer support. Psychiatry trainees have been involved in designing and facilitating groups and training facilitators from other specialties; facilitators have regular supervision from a consultant psychiatrist in medical psychotherapy. Trainees are supported to discuss challenging experiences and think about their emotional responses in a supportive and validating group.ResultFeedbackWe are in the process of formal data collection to assess the impact of the intervention. Informal feedback suggests the groups are a powerful support to individuals who otherwise have no avenue to think about the psychological impact of their experiences. The groups have supported trainees to feel less isolated and bolstered their resilience.ConclusionFuture plansWe have faced challenges in the practicalities of establishing and maintaining groups. We are working with Training Programme Directors to move towards running the groups in protected time within working hours and advocate that reflective groups, such as our peer support groups, are a key part of future medical and surgical Training Programmes.


2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (43) ◽  
Author(s):  
V Bremer ◽  
A Bosman ◽  
D Coulombier

Strengthening capacity in intervention epidemiology is key to the overall goal of responding to the challenge to detect and counter threats posed by outbreaks of infectious diseases in the European Union (EU). Since its founding in 1995, the European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET) has become a core resource in training in intervention epidemiology in the EU. EPIET was integrated into the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 1 November 2007 and this has resulted in an increased sustainability of the programme, allowing for long-term planning. Also, a new training programme, the European public health microbiology training (EUPHEM), was set up in 2008 to increase the response capacity for microbiology. Collaboration with EU Member States and other training programmes has been further intensified. Merging EPIET and other training activities in the ECDC training section has created the opportunity to develop an integrated multilevel approach to training in applied field epidemiology. An integrated approach to training activities on EU level, and increasing the number of EPIET and EPIET-associated fellows are essential to respond to the training needs of EU Member States, particularly new Member States. An external evaluation of EPIET in 2009 will provide guidance for a future strategy for the programme. This article examines the achievements of the EPIET programme after its transition to ECDC and provides an outlook on its future.


Policy Papers ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (03) ◽  
Author(s):  

(CD), including technical assistance (TA) and training, is one of the three core pillars of the Fund’s work. Its main objective is to help member countries build institutions and capacity necessary to formulate and implement sound economic and financial policies. The Institute for Capacity Development (ICD) was established in 2012 with a specific mandate to further define and develop the Fund's strategy on capacity building and provide a clear institutional framework to bring the coordination and oversight over TA and training activities under one umbrella, while building on partnerships with donors. The Fund’s capacity development strategy was last discussed by the Board in June 2013, and the Board subsequently endorsed the 2014 statement on IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development. The 2018 review of the CD strategy will include backward- and forward-looking components: The backward-looking component will consider the prioritization, funding, monitoring and evaluation, and delivery of CD as set out in the 2014 statement. The forward-looking component will provide the opportunity to outline reforms to increase the impact of CD. Emphasis will be on making CD more effective and efficient while building on its existing strengths. Conclusions from the 2018 review will be reflected in a revised statement on IMF Policies and Practices on Capacity Development.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg Stocks ◽  
Sean Slater

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of a six-and-a-half day, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) informed training course on staff’s self-efficacy and outcome expectations of managing challenging behaviour (CB). Training programmes for other non-psychology staff were deemed necessary due to the high demand for services and the specialist knowledge held by other professionals or carers. Design/methodology/approach – A repeated measures design was used to capture changes in specific self-efficacy and outcome expectations before and after the training programme. A questionnaire methodology was employed. Findings – Staff self-efficacy and positive outcome expectations increased on all four measured variables following training: understanding of CB, working out the functions of CB, developing and implementing a PBS plan, and managing CB for the benefit of the service user. Research limitations/implications – These findings are considered in light of previous research suggesting an impact on staff practice and burnout. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the training model delivers changes in staff cognition and may be useful in other locations where demand for services is likely to increase in the future. Originality/value – This research considers the impact of a medium length PBS training on staff cognition, evidencing the model’s utility in the current service context.


2017 ◽  
Vol 118 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 393-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patience Emefa Dzandza

Purpose This paper aims to describe an information and communication technology (ICT) training programme in the central library in Ghana, to discuss the benefits of the programme and the challenges faced by those delivering it and to relate this work to the broader development goals of the UN and the Africa Union (AU), offering some recommendations on how the programme can be made more effective. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative approach to help determine the modality of the programme to two junior high schools (JHSs) in the area that benefit weekly from the training programmes offered at the ICT corner. Interviews were conducted with two staff of the ICT corner to help gather information on the services that the ICT corner offers and the challenges with the programme; ICT teachers and a library coordinator of the two JHSs were also interviewed to find out about their opinion on the programme and the impact they think the programme can make to help achieve the agenda of equipping the youth with ICT skills. Focus group discussions were held with two classes from the JHSs for them to indicate the ICT skills they have acquired from the training and what they can use the skills to achieve. The researcher also witnessed two training sessions and observed daily activities of the ICT corner and the method of instruction. Findings The study brought to fore the contribution GhLA is making to help Ghana achieve Agenda 2063 and 2030 by helping students acquire basic ICT skills that are motivating them to use computers in their daily activities. Originality/value The study highlighted the importance of libraries in the twenty-first century and recommendations were made, among others, that, the facility should be replicated in all public libraries to be used by schools that do not have their own ICT lab in Ghana and the library should employ more staff to help with the training.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 47-63
Author(s):  
Diane Apeah-Kubi

The last decade has seen the introduction of fast track (FT) social work training programmes as an alternative to 2-year postgraduate courses: Step Up to Social Work began in 2010, joined by Frontline in 2014 and finally Think Ahead, a mental health-focussed social work training programme, in 2016. With the popularity of these courses (Skills for Care analysis of HESA data, 2018), and the uncertainty around the continuation of bursaries, X University validated its own FT social work programme in 2017. While there have been evaluations of the impact of the aforementioned FT training programmes, there is nothing publicly available examining the experiences of the practice educators who assess these students. Using end-of-placement feedback data from a sample of 14 trainee practice educators, this article will discuss their experience of assessing FT students, including how the students performed on placement and the educators’ views of their own training programme. Some educators noted a physical and emotional impact on students and a struggle with some to engage in reflective practice. Comments regarding the fast pace of both the FT and practice education programme were also made. Recommendations for the training and support of practice educators supervising FT students will be identified and discussed.   Keywords: fast track, social work education, practice educator, placement


2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Sutherland ◽  
Barbara Klugman

Background: This article describes the efforts of a group of donors and activists to collectively develop a national base line on organisations working for human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in Kenya to develop an ongoing monitoring and evaluation process.Objectives: The purpose of the base line was to support both activist strategising and ongoing reflection, and more effective donor collaboration and grant making.Method: Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders, the authors examined the dominant approach to funding and evaluation on social change globally. They analysed the impact of this dominant approach on developing and sustaining a SOGI movement in Kenya. They developed an alternative theory of change and participatory methodology and worked with a range of donors and SOGI organisations to conceptualise and support the collaborative collection of information on four themes: legislation and policy, organisational mapping, political and cultural context, and lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.Results: This was a useful process and tool for activists and donors to develop a shared understanding of the current context and capacities influencing efforts to promote SOGI rights. It served as a basis for improved strategising and participants expected it to prove useful for monitoring progress in the longer term.Conclusion: This theory of change and participatory approach to base line development could be helpful to donors, activists and monitoring and evaluation specialists concerned with supporting social change in the region and globally.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oghenero Ovharhe ◽  
Peter Emaziye ◽  
Samson Alakpa ◽  
Folorunsho Alli

This study appraised the impact of the training programme (such a feed formulation, house preparation, brooding vaccination schedule, stocking density, litter application, types sorting and handling of eggs, record keeping and accounts) given to poultry farmers by the private sector. Obasanjo Farms Nigeria Limited was used as a case study. The study objectives were to investigate the sources of the information about the training programmes, identified training needs of participants, capture adoption techniques, ascertained training satisfaction level, ascertained property acquisition of beneficiaries before and after the training and identify constraints facing the participants. A simple random sampling technique was used for this study to obtain a sample size of 84. A set of questionnaires was used to elicit information from respondents. Data obtained were analyzed statistically. The study revealed that the majority (82.1%) were males with a mean age of 30years and mean the farming experience was two years. The major source of information was radio (52.4%). Training need such as feed formulation (66.9%) optimal on needs assessment rating. The majority (at medium level) adopted the training rendered on feed formulation, stocking density, brooding techniques, and medication techniques. Respondents were mostly satisfied with training given on brooding (mean = 3.4). The most serious constraint was the inadequate provision of starter packs to trainees. On before and after comparison, the T-test showed that there were significant differences between the various properties acquired after the training programme (p0.05). The study concluded that trainees were satisfied with the training as it contributed to increased wellbeing. It was recommended that trainees should be equipped after training sessions to ensure best practices and food security. 


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 279-297
Author(s):  
V. Rengarajan ◽  
K. Sivasubramaniyan

Theory of change has been a useful evaluation tool for social science research. The interest in its use has been notable in recent years amongst international aid organisations and public authorities who make huge investment in social oriented intervention with more focus on the challenges related to gender empowerment and poverty cure in rural area. Logically, the achievement of intended change (impact) matters. In this context, the emerging question is: 'How are we getting a candid profile of change after the project implementation? The sources of data for analysis are taken from evaluation reports of Programme Evaluation Organisation, Planning Commission, Government of India.   Among the convolutions, found in the theory of change the important one is that the monitoring system does not extend beyond output level in the causal path revealing only impaired impact confining to the physical achievement vs target. This apart, there is no process monitoring of implementation and mid-course corrections. The paper suggests a slew of critical constituents for the refined theory of change which include: (a) process monitoring; (b) result based monitoring and evaluation (c) transparent outcome and the impact; and (d) human behaviour.


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