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Collecting accurate and meaningful data lies at the heart of effective program design, implementation, and policymaking. Make Measurement Matter: Designing Surveys For Better Evidence (MMM2026) is a three-day, in-person course to equip development professionals with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools to design robust surveys to drive data-use and evidence-based decisions. Applications close on January 6, 2026.

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Early-bird discount: Applicants who apply before 14-Dec-2025 will receive a 10% discount.

About the Course
MMM2026 marks an evolution of J-PAL South Asia’s long-running Measurement and Survey Design Course (MSDC).

While MSDC focused on introducing foundational measurement theory and quantitative survey design, emphasizing abstract concepts, SMART indicators, piloting protocols, and field management basics, MMM 2026 offers a broader and more applied orientation, expanding the scope to focus more directly on how organizations can use data and evidence to strengthen real-world program decisions.

While the core strengths of MSDC remain – rigorous measurement concepts, systematic survey design, and J-PAL’s field-based expertise – the 2026 chapter places greater emphasis on practical applicability, decision relevance, and integrating measurement into day-to-day program cycles, making it a distinct new edition within the same learning tradition.

Course Focus
The course blends conceptual clarity with practical exposure across the entire data lifecycle, featuring essential concepts in measurement theory and quantitative survey design strategies.

MMM2026 incorporates brand new modules on data use, visualization, impact communication, and practical field trade-offs, alongside hands-on “think-through” exercises that help participants design tools grounded in their operational contexts, training participants in designing surveys that directly improve evidence use and decision-making within organizations.

Participants will learn to:

Identify when and why to collect data for program design and evaluation
Develop robust theories of change and select SMART indicators
Design accurate and reliable survey instruments
Ensure measurement quality and minimize bias
Pilot, digitize, and manage survey tools effectively
Analyze, synthesize, and communicate findings for decision-making
Navigate field challenges and balance rigor with feasibility
Build internal capacity for evidence use and knowledge transfer within organizations
View the tentative agenda of MMM2026 for more information on the course structure. Please note that the agenda is subject to change.

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Who Should Attend
The course is designed for professionals involved in data collection, analysis, and use—whether for implementation, research, or evaluation. It will be especially relevant for:

Practitioners from implementing organizations and NGOs
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) professionals and researchers
Donor organizations, philanthropic foundations, and multilaterals supporting evidence-based programs
Students and early- to mid-career professionals seeking to strengthen quantitative and field research skills