Introduction to the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) (Coursera)

This course will show you how to use the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) to: streamline interventions by eliminating inactive components; identify the combination of components that offers the greatest effectiveness without exceeding a defined implementation budget; develop interventions for immediate scalability; look inside the “black box” to understand which intervention components work and which do not; and improve interventions programmatically over time. In this course you will relate the MOST framework to your research objectives; learn how MOST differs from the standard approach to intervention development and evaluation; learn how to complete the preparation and optimization phases of MOST; and become familiar with rigorous and highly efficient experimental designs that will enable you to examine the performance of individual intervention components.

Syllabus

Week 1 - MOST is a different way of thinking

Week 2 - The preparation phase: Laying the foundation for successful optimization

Week 3 - Introduction to the factorial optimization trial

Week 4 - Some conceptual and technical aspects of the factorial experiment

Week 5 - Rigorous and responsible conduct of intervention optimization research

Week 6 - Completing the optimization phase and identifying your next steps