The third module of the second semester syllabus for our PgDip programme deals with all things relating to research and M&E (monitoring and evaluation) of HIV/Aids programmes. To help orientate and prepare students for ending their academic year on a high note, the lecturers introduced the different modules during the recent PgDip winter school.
Click on the respective links to find out more about the first and second modules.
Programme monitoring and evaluation – Dr Emeka Okonji, senior monitoring and evaluation manager at Right to Care
Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of HIV/Aids programmes is critical to sustained programme impact. Drawing from his more than 13 years’ experience in designing, managing and enhancing M&E programmes, Emeka explained the key aspects of M&E to students. This included the main principles of and different approaches to programme evaluation, how to facilitate critical engagement with the different evaluation approaches, differences between a theory of change and a basic programme logic mode, how to design an M&E plan and develop monitoring indicators, as well as data source quality and collection.
AI-assisted literature review and research tools – Dr Kudzayi Tarisayi, SU Department of Curriculum Studies
While the use of AI tools in research was initially met with resistance and scepticism, most have accepted it as part and parcel of the research process and a way to be more efficient. In this context, Kudzayi spoke to students about how to unleash the potential of AI and intelligence augmentation (IA) in conducting academic research. Importantly, he also discussed the responsible use of AI, including navigating the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls.
Quantitative and qualitative research methods – Dr Takiyah White Ndwanya, visiting professor for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Dr Burt Davis, interim director and senior lecturer at the Africa Centre
Choosing the right research method or combination of methods is vital to quality research outcomes. To help students make informed decisions about how the different methods can support their research objectives, Takiyah and Burt discussed the basic tenets of quantitative and qualitative research with students. This included:
- When to use which method
- How to collect, analyse and process quantitative data
- Qualitative research methods often used in public health research
- The practical, conceptual and ethical implications of qualitative research
- Formulating qualitative research questions
Looking to the future: MPhil research areas
With the PgDip programme being an excellent foundation for enrolling for the master’s programme in HIV/Aids management, one of the winter school sessions was dedicated to introducing students to the various MPhil research areas. These cover a range of categories and themes shaping the global response to HIV/Aids: global collaboration and local impact, human rights, gender and vulnerable groups, treatment, education and awareness, and research challenges and opportunities. You can view some of the past studies here.