Key distinction used throughout STEPS
STEPS reports both financial costs (cash expenditures that require a budget) and economic costs (financial costs plus the value of time diverted from regular duties). Economic costs are used when computing net benefits and benefit cost ratios, because they reflect the full resource cost to society.
1. Tool structure and recommended workflow
STEPS is organised into tabs that follow the decision workflow. The recommended sequence is: first set global parameters in Settings, then configure one programme tier in Configuration, review results, save scenarios in Saved Scenarios, compare baseline and scenarios in National simulation, and finally use Planner and Copilot prompts to prepare decision ready summaries.
1.1 Settings tab
The Settings tab contains parameters that apply across the tool, such as unit costs, benefit inputs, and salary inputs for opportunity cost. These parameters are editable so analysts can align STEPS to updated programme budgets or alternative benefit assumptions.
1.2 Configuration tab
The Configuration tab defines a scenario for one selected training tier and modality. A scenario is a complete set of inputs that describes how many cohorts will run, how many trainees per cohort, the programme duration and contact days, and support inputs such as faculty and coordination requirements.
1.3 Results summary within Configuration
After clicking Apply configuration, STEPS computes outputs for the current scenario. These include graduates, financial cost, existing opportunity cost, salary based opportunity cost, total economic cost, epidemiological benefit, net benefit, and BCR. These outputs are produced from the same formulas used in national simulation and exports.
1.4 Saved Scenarios tab
The Saved Scenarios tab stores scenarios so they can be ranked, exported, and compared over time. Saving a scenario does not change any calculations. It only records the scenario configuration and the computed outputs.
1.5 National simulation tab
The National simulation tab compares a fixed baseline to a selected scenario. The baseline is anchored to the Planner baseline settings and is not overwritten by scenario selection. This tab also tracks progress toward the target stock of Intermediate and Advanced field epidemiologists.
1.6 Planner tab
The Planner tab sets the stock target, current stock, and baseline assumptions. It also provides a pathway view that helps users interpret how many graduates are needed per year to close the gap. Importantly, the Planner defines the reference baseline used elsewhere.
1.7 Copilot prompts tab
The Copilot prompts tab generates copy ready prompts for Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT. The prompts pull live values from the tool, including baseline and scenario deltas, and format them as policy brief inputs.
2. Baseline logic and what “fixed baseline” means
STEPS uses a baseline (business as usual) as the counterfactual. The baseline is defined in the Planner baseline section. It is intended to capture current programme operation if no new scale up decision is taken.
Baseline is fixed in comparisons
In National simulation, the baseline values shown in the Baseline column always come from the Planner baseline settings for the selected horizon. Selecting a scenario never overwrites baseline values. Baseline values only change when the user explicitly edits baseline inputs in the Planner.
2.1 Stock target, current stock, and the baseline gap
The Planner sets two key numbers for Intermediate and Advanced field epidemiologists: Target stock and Current stock. The baseline gap is defined as:
Gap to target = Target stock − Current stock
This gap is the baseline “Remaining to reach target (Intermediate + Advanced)” shown in National simulation. The baseline gap does not depend on the number of graduates produced in the baseline period. It is a stock gap anchored to the current workforce.
3. Graduates and accumulation over time
For each scenario, STEPS computes graduates as cohorts multiplied by trainees per cohort multiplied by an endorsement or completion rate. Endorsement is used as a practical proxy for trainees who complete and are recognised by the system.
| Quantity | Meaning in STEPS | Where it appears |
|---|---|---|
| Graduates per cohort | Trainees per cohort × endorsement rate | Scenario results, Saved Scenarios, National simulation |
| Graduates all cohorts | Graduates per cohort × number of cohorts | Scenario results, Saved Scenarios, National simulation |
| Cumulative Intermediate + Advanced | Total Intermediate graduates + total Advanced graduates | Planner, National simulation target tracking |
3.1 Worked example: graduates
Suppose a scenario runs 10 cohorts of Intermediate training, each with 40 trainees, and endorsement is 85%. Graduates per cohort are 40 × 0.85 = 34. Total graduates are 34 × 10 = 340. If this is Intermediate tier, then Intermediate + Advanced is also 340.
4. Financial costs
Financial costs are the cash resources needed to deliver the programme. They include items such as training delivery, materials, travel and per diems where applicable, mentoring support costs, and other cash inputs defined in Settings.
Financial cost (per cohort) = Sum of unit costs × required quantities
The specific unit costs and quantities are visible in the Settings and Configuration tabs. Where a quantity is tier specific, it is driven by programme duration and contact days.
5. Opportunity costs (economic costs)
STEPS reports two opportunity cost methods. Both are included in the Total economic cost. They are reported separately so users can see how much of the economic cost is driven by time diversion assumptions.
5.1 Existing opportunity cost
The tool preserves the original opportunity cost logic implemented in earlier versions of STEPS. This method is labelled “Existing opportunity cost”. It remains unchanged to maintain continuity with earlier costing work. Its parameters and assumptions are described in the Settings section of the tool.
5.2 Salary based opportunity cost (additional)
The salary based method is an additional conservative estimate that values time diverted from regular duties for faculty, coordinators, and participants. It is an indirect, non cash cost. It should be interpreted as the value of staff time that could have been used for routine service delivery or other programme work.
| Input | Default | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Average monthly salary – Faculty (INR) | 200,000 | Monthly salary value used to price faculty time |
| Average monthly salary – Coordinator (INR) | 70,000 | Monthly salary value used to price coordination time |
| Average monthly salary – Participant (INR) | 100,000 | Monthly salary value used to price participant time |
5.2.1 Salary based formulas
The salary method depends on programme modality and the division of time between contact days (in person sessions) and non contact time. The tool treats one month as 30 days for the conversion between days and months.
Fully in person programmes
OCr = MonthlySalaryr × ProgrammeDurationmonths × Nr
r is faculty, coordinator, or participant. Nr is the number of people in that role required for the cohort.
Blended programmes
For participants and coordinators, salary is counted only for contact days. For faculty, salary is counted for contact days plus 50% of the non contact duration, reflecting preparation, review, and remote support.
OCparticipant/coordinator = MonthlySalary × (ContactDays / 30) × N
OCfaculty = MonthlySalaryfaculty × [(ContactDays / 30) + 0.5 × (TotalDays − ContactDays) / 30] × Nfaculty
5.3 Worked example: salary based opportunity cost
Consider a blended programme lasting 90 total days with 15 contact days. Suppose the cohort uses 4 faculty, 2 coordinators, and 40 participants. Using the default salaries, the participant opportunity cost is: 100,000 × (15/30) × 40 = 100,000 × 0.5 × 40 = 2,000,000 INR. Coordinator opportunity cost is: 70,000 × (15/30) × 2 = 70,000 × 0.5 × 2 = 70,000 INR. Faculty opportunity cost is: 200,000 × [(15/30) + 0.5 × (75/30)] × 4. This equals 200,000 × [0.5 + 0.5 × 2.5] × 4 = 200,000 × 1.75 × 4 = 1,400,000 INR. Total salary based opportunity cost for the cohort is 3,470,000 INR.
6. Total economic cost, net benefit, and BCR
Total economic cost is the sum of financial cost and both opportunity cost components:
Total economic cost = Financial cost + Existing opportunity cost + Salary based opportunity cost
The epidemiological benefit is computed using the benefit model and inputs in Settings and the endorsement rate in the scenario. Net benefit and BCR are:
Net benefit = Epidemiological benefit − Total economic cost
BCR = Epidemiological benefit / Total economic cost
6.1 If you want to change the benefit metric
If stakeholders wish to adopt a different benefit metric, the clean approach is to keep the training output calculation unchanged and modify the Settings parameters that translate trainees into benefits. For example, a user could replace a willingness to pay based value with an avoided outbreak cost metric, or adjust the assumed benefit per trainee. The tool will immediately recompute net benefit and BCR. When changing the benefit model, users should document the new assumptions in the Notes fields so exports remain auditable.
7. Feasibility constraints and what the feasibility filter does
STEPS includes feasibility checks for mentors and hubs. Feasibility does not change model calculations. It only affects how scenarios are flagged and filtered in the Top options panels and prompt generation. When “Show feasible only” is selected, the ranking list hides scenarios that exceed available mentors or hubs.
8. National simulation and baseline vs scenario table
The National simulation tab shows baseline values, scenario values, and incremental deltas. The scenario is selected using “Compare baseline with”. Users can also add scenarios to a quick access list for easier switching. The table always compares the selected scenario against the fixed baseline.
Remaining to reach target (Intermediate + Advanced) follows the Planner stock logic:
Baseline remaining = Target stock − Current stock
Scenario remaining = Target stock − (Current stock + Scenario Intermediate+Advanced graduates)
9. Planner pathway generation
The Planner “Generate pathways” feature uses the target stock and current stock to compute how many Intermediate and Advanced graduates are required per year to close the gap over the selected horizon. It then uses the configured cohort sizes and endorsement rates to suggest plausible cohort schedules. The pathway outputs are descriptive and do not override the saved scenarios. They are intended to support planning conversations.
10. Copilot and ChatGPT prompts
The Copilot prompts tab generates two prompts: an existing briefing prompt and a 3 to 5 page policy brief prompt. Copy buttons place the prompt into the clipboard. Refresh updates the prompt to reflect current baseline and scenario values. Download creates a text file containing the prompts. If the user selects Open Copilot or Open ChatGPT, the tool opens the platform in a new tab and copies the prompt first so the user can paste immediately.
11. Exports
STEPS exports Word and Excel files directly in the browser. Word exports are designed for non technical audiences and use plain language interpretations in continuous prose. Excel exports contain the scenario tables used for ranking and sensitivity summaries. Exports pull the same numbers displayed in the UI. If an export does not match the UI, it indicates a bug and should be reported for correction.
12. Audit and reproducibility tips
For auditability, users should keep a record of (i) Settings values, (ii) scenario configurations, and (iii) exported reports. When presenting to stakeholders, it is recommended to state whether totals are financial or economic, and to note whether the salary based opportunity cost is included. STEPS includes both opportunity costs in economic totals by design.
Support
This appendix is designed to allow programme teams to use STEPS without technical assistance. If users wish to update the benefit model or introduce additional cost modules, the recommended approach is to keep the training output logic unchanged and adjust only the Settings inputs and documented formulas.