Oxford Impact Measurement Programme

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Learn how to measure and manage social impact

Start date:

Duration:

  • 5 days

Time commitment:

  • Short programme

Location:

  • Oxford

Cost:

  • £8,500 plus accommodation (£1,200)

About the programme

The choices we make on why, what and how to measure impact tells us a story of what we choose to value.

There are increasing demands across many sectors and organisations to measure social impact. The ways in which impact measurement is designed, implemented, and used has implications for how decisions are made for organisations and society. Impact measurement is not just a technical exercise, but a broader strategic, management and leadership imperative.

On this programme, you will learn the core concepts and emerging issues in impact measurement, how 'impact' is framed by and for different stakeholders and uses, and examples of measurement approaches and tools, and how they could be adapted for your work. You will also interact with global leaders and course participants to critically examine how to make choices and decisions for your organisation and context.

The programme draws on our extensive research and teaching in impact measurement, impact investing, accounting, finance, and strategy. You will engage with experienced faculty and tutors on how impact measurement is applied to both established and emerging areas - such as impact investment, climate change, supply chains, and philanthropy. You will also exchange ideas and experiences with, and build a network from, a diverse group of programme participants from across the globe.

The programme includes:

  • Live lectures with faculty and guest speakers
  • Frequent small group discussion sessions
  • Structured networking with participants and alumni
  • Canvas platform with videos and pre-reading materials
  • Programme workbook with templates
  • Post-programme access to learning materials
  • Live interaction with Directors, faculty and guest speakers

Introduction to the programme

Benefits

To you

  • Understand the core concepts, trends and approaches to measuring social impact
  • How to critically assess and select measurement approaches and tools
  • Be equipped to make informed choices on designing and improving your approach
  • Make better decisions when using impact data to allocate your resources and efforts
  • Subscription to ImpactAlpha
  • Lifetime membership of the Oxford Business Alumni Network

 

To your business

  • Ask the key questions on why, what and how you measure your social impact
  • Develop the core components of an impact measurement strategy
  • Understand how impact measurement varies across sectors and perspectives
  • Integrate leading impact practices from global experts and applied research
  • Navigate the implications of impact measurement within different contexts

 

Programme outline

Day one: Framing

We begin by introducing key concepts and models, review global and sectoral trends in this dynamic and emergent field, and situate the questions and debates to be explored over the programme. 

 

Day two: Perspectives

We explore examples of how impact measurement is being designed and implemented in different sectors and contexts, using examples from impact investing, sustainability, and philanthropy.

Day three: Approaches

We examine a range of established and emerging approaches to impact measurement - including standards, frameworks, and tools - in a 'hands on' manner to critically assess how they are being used and adapted.

Day four: Decisions

We consider the ways in which impact measurement influences decision making, and draw on examples from different sectors - from social impact bonds to tech ventures - to describe the choices and trade-offs on how impact evidence is used (or misused).

Day five: Prospects

We look ahead to the changing landscape of impact measurement trends and practices, and the possibilities and risks that may emerge when exploring new technologies stakeholders, and perspectives.

Post-programme

Lifetime membership of the Oxford Business Alumni Network.

Class profile

A typical cohort is made up of the following.

10+ years

Professional experience

63%

Female participants

25

Nationalities

12

Industry sectors

5+ years

Experience allocating capital

What our faculty say

Impact measurement is of course about looking back – understanding what happened, why it happened, and what it means. It is also about looking forward to test new hypotheses, validate assumptions, or disprove an approach.

Karim Harji

Programme Director

Meet the faculty

The programme is led by: Karim Harji, Programme Director and Associate Fellow at Saïd Business School; and Professor Alex Nicholls, Academic Director and Professor of Social Entrepreneurship at Saïd Business School.

We also have a variety of guest speakers on the programme.

Watch our Social Impact Leadership series.

Contact

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