3.1         INTRODUCTION AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The aim of the social impact analysis is to identify and measure the impact of the project on stakeholders
transparently and empirically. To describe the conditions and resources required to achieve the project’s
impacts on stakeholders, the method is based on creating an impact model.

In order to understand the core of social impact analysis and to be able to identify impacts at different
levels, it is, therefore, crucial to understand which stakeholders are relevant for the analysis and what is
understood under the term deadweight. Thus, in this module, we first explain 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.

Next, the concept, structure, and elements of the impact model are elaborated. Similar to the theory of
change and logical models, the impact model is built based on hypothetical chains of effects. However,
the impact model differs from the two alternative concepts in two important respects: 1) it excludes in
the analysis the effects that would have occurred even if the project had not been carried out (i.e.
deadweight), and 2) the impact chains are constructed for several stakeholders, not only for the target
group of the project. Finally, the module concludes with guidelines for the presentation and application
of the impact model

3.2         CONTENT

1. Purpose of setting up an impact model

2. Stakeholders

2.1. Identification of stakeholders (beyond target group, internal and external)

2.2. Relevant stakeholders in the impact model (providing inputs, taking part in outcomes, affected

by displacement effects)

3. Outputs, outcomes and impacts: the role of deadweight

4. The impact model

4.1. What is the impact model?

4.2. How to build a hypothetical impact model?

4.3. How is impact model different from the theory of change and logic models: deadweight and

multiple stakeholders?

5. Presentation and use of the hypothetical impact model

3.3         LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, the participants are able to:

–      identify the most important stakeholders and the main benefits of stakeholders (on a
hypothetical level);

–   differentiate among impact, outcome, and output; find examples of outputs, outcomes, and
impacts in the respective organization at different levels;

–      explain the concept of deadweight and find examples of deadweight;

–      define and build the impact model;

–      present and use a hypothetical impact model.

3.4         TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, demonstration through case-study analysis, discussion, group or individual practical work on case studies, presentations.

Possibility of blended learning and flipped classroom: lectures and demonstration of case studies online; discussions, practical work, and presentations offline.

3.5         ASSESSMENT

Assessment and feedback is based on the case-study work and presentation by participants.

3.6         STUDY MATERIALS

–      Lecture slides

–      Case studies

–      Then et al. (2017). Social Return on Investment Analysis. Measuring the Impact of Social Investment. Chapter 4

–      The Guide to Social Return to investment (2012), The SROI Network. Stage 1