Data Science · Advanced level

Advanced level · Module 6 of 6 · 30 guided hours

Data Science Capstone

Lead the cash assistance impact and targeting analysis from questions to a decision memo, combining causal, spatial, predictive and text methods responsibly.

Learning objectives

  • Plan a multi-method analysis around decisions
  • Execute rigorous, governed analyses
  • Communicate evidence for decisions with clear uncertainty

Topics

  • analysis plan and governance
  • causal analysis
  • spatial needs analysis
  • text feedback analysis
  • decision memo
  • technical appendix and presentation

Lessons

  1. Lesson 1 Capstone Plan and Governance

    Plan the analysis around the programme's decisions and set up governance from the start.

    decision questionsmethods per questiongovernance set-uptimeline

  2. Lesson 2 Impact Analysis

    Estimate the programme's effect on food consumption with a credible design and sensitivity checks.

    design choiceassumption checkseffect estimatesensitivity analysis

  3. Lesson 3 Needs, Targeting and Feedback

    Map needs by area, evaluate targeting and analyse beneficiary feedback.

    needs mapstargeting errorsfeedback themestriangulation

  4. Lesson 4 Decision Memo and Technical Appendix

    Turn the evidence into a clear decision memo, supported by a technical appendix.

    decision memorecommendationsuncertaintytechnical appendix

  5. Lesson 5 Presenting to Decision-Makers

    Present the evidence and recommendations to programme directors and answer their questions.

    presentation structurevisual evidencehandling questionsreflection

Practical activity

Deliver the capstone through five reviewed milestones: plan, impact analysis, needs and feedback analysis, recommendations and presentation.

Expected outcomes

  • A portfolio-quality data science project
  • Experience leading evidence for decisions

Assessment

The level project assessed against its criteria with a presentation to 'programme directors'.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.