OVERVIEW

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.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

Outcomes

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

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements

TEACHING METHODS

Teaching Methods

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

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

 Syllabus

• 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

• Dimensions and indicators

• Evaluation techniques: questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, evaluative brainstorming, Nominal Group Technique, Delphi analysis, taxonomic evaluation. Case studies

• Data construction: the issue of validity

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The required readings for all students will be indicated at the beginning of the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

First semester: from September to December 2025

Class schedule

TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ACCREDITATION

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

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).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Ask the professor for other information not included in the teaching schedule.