The course focuses on the analysis and evaluation of social services. Evaluation is defined as the set of activities that generate a reasoned judgment through rigorous research processes, which are essential to ensure procedural reliability and the accuracy of the information on which that judgment is based.
Applying evaluation within social services is crucial for effective planning and for improving services, projects, and social interventions. It also serves as a tool for examining how these initiatives function and supports objectives of accountability and transparency.
Within this evaluative framework, the accreditation of social, socio-health, and educational services acts as a linchpin for enhancing their overall quality.
The course aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge of analysis and evaluation techniques in social services, with particular attention to evaluation practices within the framework of social services and activities. It also offers an overview of real-world case studies.
A further objective is to introduce students to basic concepts related to other activities connected to evaluation, such as monitoring, quality certification, and, in particular, accreditation.
Practical exercises, group work, and all participatory teaching methods are designed to equip students with the tools needed to design and develop analysis and evaluation projects.
The course is designed to provide students with the following specific knowledge elements:
Main theoretical approaches to evaluation
The relationship between planning, design, and evaluation
Evaluation in the social domain: areas of application, boundaries, and specific features
Participatory evaluation in the social field
Multidimensional evaluation within individual care planning
Evaluation research
Dimensions and indicators
Techniques for analysis and evaluation
Data construction
Activities related to evaluation: authorization and accreditation, quality certification, inspection, and monitoring
Accreditation models and relevant regulatory frameworks
Through individual study, attendance of lectures, and active participation in practical exercises and group work, students will be able to:
Acquire theoretical knowledge concerning evaluation and analysis activities in social services
Develop knowledge and tools for multidimensional evaluation within individual care projects
Understand the principles of accreditation, including different models and relevant legislation
Recognize the meaning, importance, and utility of evaluation in the social field, particularly in relation to the professional role of the social worker in various contexts
Develop the ability to apply evaluation practices in social work activities, from individual interventions to broader programmatic actions, understanding differences in purpose and technique within an integrated framework
Acquire the capacity to analyze organizational contexts
Design a basic evaluation process for a project or service, applying the structure of evaluation research
Learn and apply the main evaluation techniques
Construct data accurately and appropriately
Understand the dynamics between social demand and public/private service provision, ensuring alignment of the system with the evolution of needs through transformation processes, accreditation, ongoing quality control, data collection, and implementation within a mixed system of public and private services
There are no specific requirements
The course consists of 36 hours per semester, organized in weekly sessions of 4 hours, and corresponds to 6 ECTS/CFU credits.
Teaching methods include:
Lectures introducing the main topics, supported by inductive prompts such as brainstorming, reflections on personal experiences, and the use of videos, images, and texts
Use of examples and case studies drawn from scientific research and academic texts related to the course topics
Practical exercises and group work, including the development of analysis and evaluation projects
What is evaluation: definitions, purposes, boundaries, uses, and timing
Evaluation, accreditation, operational authorization, quality certification, monitoring, and control: key concepts and regulatory frameworks. Co-design and co-programming
Main approaches to evaluation: positivist, quality pragmatist, constructivist, and mixed approaches
Evaluation in the social field: evaluation and analysis of programs, projects, services, and individual interventions. Real-world projects will be used as methodological references
Multidimensional evaluation in the personalized care project: development of evaluation and individual planning tools
Evaluation research design: the 9 phases
Evaluation and participatory approaches
Evaluation techniques: questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, evaluative brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, Delphi analysis, taxonomic evaluation. Case studies
Data construction: the issue of validity
The required readings for all students will be indicated at the beginning of the course.
Ricevimento: The office hours for students will be agreed during the first class hour
VALENTINA MAMMUCARI (President)
MARIO MARINI (President Substitute)
First semester: from September to December 2025
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ACCREDITATION
the final assessment consists of an oral exam aimed at verifying the knowledge acquired by the student. The exam includes questions related to the course syllabus and may also cover individual or group work carried out during the lessons, as well as case studies discussed in class.
Grades are expressed on a scale of thirty (out of 30).
The exam will assess the following:
Knowledge acquisition, through questions on the course content
Application skills, through the analysis of any individual or group work developed during the course or case studies presented in class
Evaluation criteria will include the level of knowledge, appropriate use of terminology, and the ability to reason critically
Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.
