1. INTRODUCTION: PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
Learning Social value projects aim to improve wellbeing by pursuing social, environmental, and economic goals.
Social value is regarded as positive experiences and changes that our society strives for. For example, the
social value includes quality of life, social inclusion, education, mental and physical health, environmental
protection, and much more. Organizations of different types pursue these social goals through their
activities and produce impact – either by directly targeting these goals or through the non-intended
effects of these actions. This is their social impact.
Understanding organizational social impact has become necessary for public relations, access to public or
private funds, and meeting the requirements stipulated by regulation. Furthermore, if, in the past, it was
sufficient to produce narratives about social impact, today, organizations need to prove their impact
through measurements.
The aim of the social impact analysis is to identify and measure the impact of the project on stakeholders
transparently and empirically. Such a measurement can take many different forms. It can encompass the
social impact generated by an entire organisation or focus on just one specific aspect of its work. There
are also several ways to conduct social impact measurement. The method presented in the programme
is based on creating a hypothetical impact model, which serves as the basis for identification,
measurement, and monetization of effects. The aggregated monetized impact is compared to the value
of inputs in the SROI index, which is used to communicate the social impact. Depending on the purpose
and type of the analysis, the results can be presented for communication, strategy development or
controlling.
The structure of the programme reflects the steps of the social impact analysis and addresses the needs
of different types of participant groups. Modules 1, 2 and 7 can be combined to get a basic overview of
the social impact analysis method. Modules 3 to 6 provide additional and more advanced knowledge
about the techniques used in practical application of the social impact analysis method
Basic programme: modules 1, 2, and 7.
In the basic programme, participants learn what social impact is and how it is created, why we need to
measure it and what methodological frameworks exist. Participants learn how to decide what should be
included in the social impact analysis based on the purpose of the analysis. Finally, participants learn
about the use of results for communication, strategy development and controlling.
In Module 1, social impact is defined, the purpose of social impact analysis is presented, and different
approaches to comprehend and encompass social impact are introduced, as well as the related
advantages and challenges.
In Module 2, the overview of the methodological framework of social impact analysis is presented. This
framework includes severalsteps. Starting with the hypothetical impact model, an empirical identification
of impacts based on qualitative research approaches is carried out, followed by the measuring and
monetizing of effects.
In Module 7, the use of social impact analysis results, including the SROI indicator, for different purposes,
such as communication, strategy and controlling is presented.
Learning objectives:
After completing this programme, the participants will
1) Be aware of social impact
2) Be aware of methods for social impact analysis
3) Be aware of the differences in methodological approaches
4) Understand the results of social impact analysis and their implications for organisational strategy
Advanced programme: all modules 1 – 7
In the advanced programme, participants learn about the steps of the social impact analysis.
In Module 3, participants learn about the elements of the impact model and how to identify impacts at
different levels and various stakeholders, followed by a distinguishing feature of social impact analysis –
the difference between outcomes (gross effects) and impacts (net effects) due to deadweight.
In Module 4, the aim is to learn how to find out if the hypothetical impacts are present in at least some
of the people or institutions involved (impact identification) by using a qualitative research approach.
In Module 5, the aim is to learn how to select which identified impacts to measure and how to measure them (impact measurement) by using a quantitative research approach.
In Module 6, the aim is to learn how impacts that have been previously quantified can be evaluated in monetary units and aggregated in the SROI index.
Learning objectives:
After completing this programme, the participants will
1) Be aware of social impact
2) Be aware of methods for social impact analysis
3) Be aware of the differences in methodological approaches
4) Understand the process of social impact analysis
5) Understand the results of social impact analysis and their implications for organisational strategy