Advanced Qualitative Evaluation: Coding, Thematic Analysis & NVivo Course

Introduction

Qualitative evaluation is a powerful approach for understanding complex social, behavioral, and organizational phenomena. This course provides advanced training in qualitative research methods, focusing on coding techniques, thematic analysis, and the practical use of NVivo software to manage and interpret qualitative data effectively.

In today’s data-driven world, decision-makers require deep insights beyond numbers. This course equips participants with the ability to transform raw qualitative data such as interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and field notes into meaningful patterns, themes, and evidence-based findings that inform policy and practice.

Participants will learn systematic coding processes including open, axial, and selective coding, ensuring that data is organized and interpreted rigorously. The course emphasizes developing analytical thinking skills to identify relationships, trends, and underlying meanings within complex datasets.

A strong emphasis is placed on thematic analysis, enabling learners to extract key themes from qualitative data and present findings in a structured and compelling way. Participants will gain practical skills to ensure that qualitative findings are credible, reliable, and useful for program evaluation and research.

The course also integrates hands-on training in NVivo software, one of the most widely used tools for qualitative data analysis globally. Participants will learn how to import data, create codes, build models, visualize patterns, and generate reports for academic and professional use.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to conduct advanced qualitative evaluations, manage large datasets efficiently, and produce high-quality analytical reports that support decision-making in research, development, policy, and organizational settings.

Who Should Attend

• Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
• Social Science Researchers
• Development Project Managers
• Policy Analysts
• Academic Researchers and Lecturers
• Data Analysts working in qualitative research
• NGO and Development Practitioners
• Public Policy Professionals
• Market Research Analysts
• Graduate Students in Social Sciences
• Program Evaluation Specialists
• Communication and Media Researchers

Duration

10 Days

Course Objectives

• Equip participants with advanced skills in qualitative evaluation methodologies, enabling them to systematically analyze complex non-numerical data for research and program evaluation purposes.
• Develop proficiency in coding techniques including open, axial, and selective coding for organizing and interpreting qualitative datasets effectively and accurately.
• Strengthen ability to conduct thematic analysis by identifying, analyzing, and reporting meaningful patterns and themes from qualitative research data.
• Enable participants to effectively use NVivo software for managing, coding, and analyzing large volumes of qualitative data from multiple sources.
• Build capacity to design qualitative research frameworks that ensure data validity, reliability, and analytical rigor in evaluation studies.
• Enhance skills in analyzing interviews, focus group discussions, case studies, and observational data using structured qualitative methods.
• Equip learners with the ability to visualize qualitative data using NVivo tools such as models, charts, and relationship maps for better interpretation.
• Strengthen critical thinking skills required to interpret qualitative findings and draw meaningful conclusions that inform decision-making processes.
• Enable participants to integrate qualitative and quantitative findings for comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation studies.
• Build competence in reporting qualitative findings in clear, structured, and publication-ready formats for academic and professional use.
• Enhance ability to ensure ethical standards in qualitative research including confidentiality, consent, and responsible data handling practices.
• Equip participants to apply qualitative evaluation skills in real-world contexts such as policy analysis, program evaluation, and organizational research.

Comprehensive Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Qualitative Evaluation

• Foundations of qualitative research
• Role of qualitative evaluation in decision-making
• Differences between qualitative and quantitative methods
• Applications in development and research

Module 2: Research Design in Qualitative Studies

• Qualitative research frameworks
• Study design approaches
• Sampling techniques
• Data collection planning

Module 3: Data Collection Methods

• Interviews and key informant interviews
• Focus group discussions
• Observational techniques
• Document analysis

Module 4: Introduction to Coding in Qualitative Research

• Concept of coding
• Types of coding methods
• Coding structures and frameworks
• Manual coding techniques

Module 5: Advanced Coding Techniques

• Open coding processes
• Axial coding relationships
• Selective coding strategies
• Code refinement techniques

Module 6: Thematic Analysis Fundamentals

• Identifying patterns in data
• Theme development process
• Organizing qualitative findings
• Validating themes

Module 7: Advanced Thematic Analysis

• Theme hierarchy development
• Pattern recognition techniques
• Cross-case analysis
• Interpretation of themes

Module 8: Introduction to NVivo Software

• NVivo interface and features
• Project setup and management
• Importing qualitative data
• Data organization in NVivo

Module 9: Coding in NVivo

• Creating nodes and codes
• Automated and manual coding
• Code classification systems
• Data indexing techniques

Module 10: Data Visualization in NVivo

• Charts and models
• Word frequency queries
• Relationship mapping
• Thematic visualization tools

Module 11: Query Functions in NVivo

• Text search queries
• Coding queries
• Matrix coding
• Analytical queries

Module 12: Mixed Methods Integration

• Combining qualitative and quantitative data
• Triangulation methods
• Integrated analysis frameworks
• Comparative analysis techniques

Module 13: Data Interpretation & Analysis

• Interpreting coded data
• Developing insights
• Analytical frameworks
• Evidence-based conclusions

Module 14: Reporting Qualitative Findings

• Structuring qualitative reports
• Academic writing techniques
• Visualization in reporting
• Policy-oriented reporting

Module 15: Ethics in Qualitative Research

• Informed consent procedures
• Data confidentiality
• Ethical data storage
• Responsible reporting

Module 16: Emerging Trends in Qualitative Analysis

• AI in qualitative research
• Machine learning for coding
• Big data qualitative analysis
• Digital ethnography tools

Training Approach

The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.

All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the training, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion by Steady Development Center.

Training Venue

The training will be held online. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, tutorials and all required training manuals. Any other personal expenses are catered by the participant.
For registration and further enquiries, contact us on:

• Tel: +254 701 180 097
• Email: training@steadytrainingcenter.com

Tailor-Made Option

This course can be customized to suit the specific needs of your organization and be delivered on-line to any convenient location.

Terms Of Payment

Upon agreement by both parties’ payment should be made to Steady Development Center’s official account at least 3 working days before training begins to facilitate adequate preparation.

Our Upcoming Training Schedule