ICB0092: PLANNING MONITORING AND EVALUATION 1

1.1 Background and Rationale

The aim of this course is to introduce students to tools and techniques to
measure and report on policy, programmes and project outcomes to various
stakeholders, including your project funders / donors, supervisors or the
general public. Students will be able to recognize the components of an
effective monitoring and evaluation plan, and methods and tools to conduct
data collection, statistical analysis and reporting.

1.2 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be expected to:
(a) Understand the components of a successful monitoring and evaluation
plan.
(b)Differentiate between supervision, monitoring and evaluation.
(c) Identify outcome indicators for your project.
(d)Understand data and types of data, challenges of data collection.
(e) Differentiate between quantitative and qualitative methods.
(f) Write an effective Monitoring and Evaluation report.
(g)Explain the various logic, forms and approaches to the development of
M&E management systems.
(h)Apply the logical thinking and process steps in designing monitoring and
evaluation systems.
(i) Have the technical skills to design all aspects of a M&E management
system.
(j) Use data to improve decision making, and enable others in your team to
do the same.
(k) Utilise the concepts of participation and empowerment in developing and
running a results-based management system.

1.3 Course Content

1.0 Monitoring and Evaluation guidelines for local and
international systems and policies
Definition of the key concepts and context
Purpose and importance of an M&E system
Addressing current international trends
2.0 Monitoring and Evaluation System (M&E) / Model
Understand Monitoring and Evaluation from a strategic perspective.
Identifying the stages of building an outcomes-based M&E system.
Understanding a model perspective to monitoring and evaluation.
Defining the elements of a monitoring and evaluation model:
Understanding the importance of baseline information.
Prepare for M&E in your work processes and projects.
Developing a work-breakdown structure.
Setting up a M&E framework and Logical Framework Analysis.
Build capacity for M&E in your teams responsibilities, delegations
and quality.
Link your indicators to baselines, milestones and targets.
3.0 Methodology for Monitoring
Qualitative Indicators and Methods Review of Facilitating Skills.
Quantitative Indicators and Methods Review of Interviewing
Techniques.
Combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
4.0 Methodology for Evaluation
Relevance
Effectiveness
Efficiency
Impact
Sustainability
 Differences in the use of these criteria among international agencies
5.0 Project / Programme Management
Identifying key intervention areas and how to effect change.
Equipping yourself and your team to build remarkable M&E systems.
Confirming stakeholder buy in and requirements and which
stakeholder will be involved in key decision-making.
Confirming stakeholder information requirement.
Assessing your organisations readiness for change.
Advantages and disadvantages of non-assimilation of change
management process in the M&E system.
Establishing the purpose and scope of the M&E plan
6.0 Model / Project Planning
The purpose of project / programme planning
What is a logic model?
Components of logic models situation
Situation priority setting
Inputs and outputs
Outcomes and assumptions
Pitfalls in using logic models
Project / programme planning methodologies, techniques and tools
7.0 Estimating
Practical techniques to be used for developing a budget.
Key factors that need to be taken into account when estimating
costs.
8.0 Project Scheduling
Understanding project / programme scheduling and its elements.
Developing schedules that take account of work estimates and
resource / service provider capacities.
9.0 Project Process and Control
 Data gathering and organizing.
Options and main types of data collection.
Identifying best sources of data for different kinds of target.
Basic principles of questionnaire and data sheet design.
Creating conditions and capacities Identifying key performance
indicators and converting them into targets.
Essential differences between qualitative and quantitative methods
10.0 Quality Management and Control
Rapid assessment procedures (R-A-P).
Developing terms of reference.
Randomized controls trials and quasi-experimental designs.
The purpose and timing of the evaluation.
Know how the evaluation will be used and how the results will be
disseminated.
Different types of evaluation designs.
Understanding the elements that need to be controlled.
Methodologies to tracking problems.
Project status review and reporting.
Applying project control and problem resolution techniques.
Methods used in conducting evaluations and particular uses.
11.0 Implementation of the M&E Process
Putting together an evaluation team and setting clear
responsibilities
Determine time-frame for each process
What will it cost?
Recruiting and contracting consultants
Allocate time frames to activities
Hidden costs and other considerations
12.0 Stages and Management from Conceptualization to
completion
Managing service providers
Stakeholder involvement
13.0 Risk Management
Practical techniques for analyzing the project / programme in terms
of risk.
Developing responses to reduce or eliminate risk factors within a
project / programme.
Understand the importance of change management as a means to
manage risk.
14.0 Impact measurement, assessment and presentation
Using M&E to manage impact
Impact assessment models and practices
Procurement planning
Contract administration, management and closure
Create a definitive evaluation of a local project
Develop a communications strategy based on evaluation findings
Use M&E findings to bring about change in a project
How has the project changed or affected your organisation?
15.0 Project conclusion, reporting and findings
Characteristics of a successful project
Assessing project performance
Project completion stages
Discuss structure and content of the evaluation report
Evaluating a report
Discuss the use and dissemination of M&E findings
16.0 Troubleshooting
Findings and recommendations
1.4 Assessment
Continuous Assessment 20%
Research 30%
Final Examination 50%

1.5 Prescribed Textbook

1. Holden D. J. and Zimmerman M. A. 2008. A Practical Guide to
Program Evaluation Planning: Theory and Case Examples,
Ryerson Press. Toronto, Canada

1.6 Recommended Textbooks

1. Johnson C. and McLaughlin N. A. 2015. Evaluation and Planning
Manual: A Disciplined Method for Evaluating your Congregation and
Planning a Future, Pearson Education, Inc.
2. Rossi, P.H., Lipsey, M.W., and Freeman, H.E. 2004. Evaluation. A
Systematic Approach. Sage. ISBN no. 978-0-7619-0894

3. Gosling L. 2003. Toolkits: A Practical Guide to, Monitoring,

Evaluation and Impact Assessment. London: Save the Children,
ISBN 1841870641

4. Bouchet B. 1999. Monitoring the Quality of Primary Care. Health

Managers Guide. Quality Assurance Project, 7200 Wisconsin
Avenue, Suite 600, Bethesda.

5. Feuerstein, M. T. 1986. Using Your Evaluation Results. In Partners in

Evaluation: Evaluating Development and Community Programmes with
Participants. London: Macmillan.

6. Mwadime, R. 1999. Monitoring and Evaluation of Nutrition and

Nutrition-Related Programmes. A Training Manual for Programme
 Managers and Implementers. The Applied Nutrition Programme,
University of Nairobi School of Nutrition and Policy, Tufts University.

7. LeMay, N. 2010. Managing information: monitoring and

evaluation. Cambridge, USA: Management Sciences for Health
Available: www.msh.org