Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an impact evaluation typically cost?

Costs vary significantly based on scope and methodology. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and get a custom quote.

How long does an RCT take?

Typical Timeline: 12–36 months

• • Design & Planning: 2–3 months
• • Baseline Data: 1–3 months
• • Intervention: 6–24 months
• • Endline & Analysis: 3–5 months

Can you work with our existing M&E team?

Absolutely! We specialize in collaborative partnerships. We can provide technical advisory, co-implementation support, or quality assurance while your team leads execution. Our goal is to build your internal capacity.

Do we need IRB approval?

Usually, yes. If you are collecting data from people, ethical review is standard. We can help you determine requirements, prepare protocols, and navigate multi-country IRB processes.

What if we already started our program?

Not a problem! We can use Quasi-Experimental Designs (RDD, DID, PSM) that don't require prospective randomization, or look at phased rollout options for expansion areas.

How many observations do we need?

It depends on the Minimum Detectable Effect (MDE) and cluster design. Typically:

• • Individual RCT: 500–5,000 participants
• • Cluster RCT: 50–200 clusters

Impact Evaluation vs. M&E?

M&E tracks what happened (outputs/outcomes). Impact Evaluation answers causality: did the program cause the change? It requires a rigorous counterfactual.

What if we can't afford a full RCT?

We offer alternatives like Scaled RCTs (smaller sample), Quasi-Experimental Designs (often cheaper), or starting with just the Evaluation Design phase.