Participants are introduced to Monitoring and Evaluation, set within the context of the broader project cycle, and the importance of rigorous project design for effective monitoring and evaluation is emphasized. As a result of the training participants will recognize good practice in reporting, be able to plan an effective project/programme review, and analyze the politics and culture of monitoring and evaluation in their own organizational context.
Introduction
In this introductory course, learners will gain in-depth understanding of monitoring and evaluation terminology and core concepts. Learners will be able, with practical examples, to answer, ‘why monitoring and evaluation?’. Key M&E roles are outlined and also how the M&E feeds on and supports other project management functions. The concept of indicators for M&E is also presented.
Results-based management.
Learners will be able to describe in-depth using practical, real world applications, results based management and underlying concepts. Following the project management lifecycle, participants will learn various results based management design documents and how these contribute to M&E outcomes at each cycle node.
Monitoring, reporting and control.
Data collection methodologies, timeframe & frequency are presented and an exposition on how they are linked to reporting and log-frames, AITT/ITT. Learners will gain practical skills on rating and scoring project progress. The module also discusses how M&E activity outcomes are fed back into programming as part of learning.
Risk management
An investigation into why risk management is a crucial part of project management is undertaken. Concepts such as the risk matrix, risk register are explained on as well as how follow up management on the same ensures projects deliver the face of unforeseen circumstances.
Evaluation of development programs and projects.
The module introduces the six evaluation criteria – relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability – and principles for their use. Based on the criteria above a normative framework is presented which is used to determine the merit or worth of a development intervention. Participants gain practical skills in setting evaluation objectives and questions and a deep-dive into developing ToRs for an evaluation.
Monitoring and evaluation system, methodologies, tools and techniques.
Participants are introduced to the systems thinking way of project monitoring and evaluation. A walk through various components of an MEAL system will be undertaken before various M&E tools including their design and use is explained on. Integration of the tools including linking them to data design methodologies, dashboards creation will be undertaken. Exercises in Tableau and/Or Power BI will be undertaken.
Next steps, building a CV, career and business opportunities, networking opportunities available.
Huraaay, after completion of the hands on, technical training, learners will be introduced to job and entrepreneurial opportunities within the M&E space. Support on CV strengthening will be provided before presentation on various M&E networks offering opportunities for employment, further learning and support, consultancies.