CPD Mini-Courses in Public Diplomacy
For over 17 years, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy has been the go-to program for public diplomats and international communication professionals looking to sharpen their skillsets and analytical capabilities essential for success in today’s complex environment.
Our training utilizes the latest social science research and cutting-edge communication tools in real-time public diplomacy challenges. It provides a setting for practitioners to re-examine and refine their skills in a group of peers and to build an international network of colleagues.
Virtual Fall 2023 Training: Monitoring and Evaluating Public Diplomacy Campaigns
This workshop aims to develop proficiency in analyzing and integrating a variety of data to monitor and evaluate (M&E) the impact of public diplomacy programs. It will combine time-tested methods and technology-driven tools in data collection and analysis. The emphasis will be on how to drive strategic insights from research and data for better planning.
Modules
PD Monitoring and Evaluation Techniques (Session 1)
We begin with exploring some of the key issues in PD monitoring and evaluation. We will review insights from PD evaluation case studies and discuss analytical and practical implications. (1 hour)
Understanding Theory of Change for PD Impact Assessment (Session 1)
This module will discuss the importance of developing a theory of change that underlies PD program design and evaluation. This process defines long-term goals and then maps backward to identify necessary preconditions. Participants will outline a theory of change for assigned campaigns that will guide their strategy and evaluation. (1.5 hours)
Survey Design and Best Practices (Session 2)
This module reviews common analytics tools and methods for PD practitioners, with a focus on survey design for impact evaluation. The instructor and participants will workshop a case study to design the evaluation of a PD campaign. (2.5 hours)
Digital Data and Real-Time Analytics (Session 3)
How can digital analytics increase the effectiveness of PD campaigns? Learn how to bring together digital data from a variety of social media sources and to advance insights based on real-time analysis. (1.5 hours)
Understanding and Designing for PD Network Effects (Session 4)
An introduction to building and managing connected networks of target audiences using social network analysis and visualization techniques. Through this session, participants will better understand the role of networks in expanding and engaging their audiences in a manner suitable to policy objectives. (1.5 hours)
Schedule
This workshop will be held on October 12, 19, 26 and November 2, 2023, virtually via Zoom. This program includes 8 content hours, with classes taking place on four consecutive Thursdays. You are expected to arrive on time and attend all modules. Unfortunately, there are no make-ups. All scheduled meeting times will be in Pacific Time (time zone converter here). Here is the schedule:
- Thursday, October 12, 2023, 9:00am to 11:30am PT
- Thursday, October 19, 2023, 9:00am to 11:30am PT
- Thursday, October 26, 2023, 9:00am to 10:30am PT
- Thursday, November 2, 2023, 9:00am to 10:30am PT
Tuition
- Single participant: $1,200 USD
- Multiple (3+ from the same organization): $1,050 USD
- 20% discount for USC alumni: $960 USD
Application
The application deadline was September 29, 2023 and the payment deadline was October 3, 2023. For more information, please email Renee Almassizadeh, CPD Assistant Director for Operations and Programming at almassiz@usc.edu.