Module 2 – Monitoring and Evaluation Definitions

1. Module 2 – Monitoring and Evaluation Definitions

2. Overview • Monitoring and evaluation are tools that make it possible to identify and measure the results of projects, programs or policies

3. Why the Concern? • To evaluate and adjust strategies and activities • To report on progress to interested parties, clients, taxpayers and the general public • To identify and share with others best practices and lessons learned • To improve the programming of new interventions and strategies

4. Monitoring • Provides regular information on how things are working

5. Monitoring: Definition • A continuous data collection and analysis process is implemented to assess a project ( a program or a policy) and compare it with the expected performance

6. Evaluation • Evaluation can only be done after a certain time and requires more thorough investigations

7. Evaluation: Definition • A systematic and objective measurement of the results achieved by a project, a program or a policy, in order to assess its relevance, its coherence, the efficiency of its implementation, its effectiveness and its impact, as well as the sustainability

8. Monitoring and Evaluation • Monitoring assesses progress in implementation of ongoing programs • Evaluation provides a snapshot against some benchmarks at a point in time of programs that may or may not be continuing

9. Monitoring and Evaluation - Rationale • Monitoring • Holds implementers accountable for delivery of inputs • Provides basis for corrective action • Provides assessment of continued relevance • Evaluation • Accountability - was money well spent? • Learning - what could we do better next time?

10. Monitoring and Evaluation - Focus • Monitoring • Was delivery according to plan? • What were the deviations? • Were they justifiable?Evaluation • Relevance • Appropriateness • Success • Cost effectiveness • Lessons learned • Effectiveness • Impact • Sustainability • Efficiency

11. Monitoring and Evaluation - Timing • Monitoring • Ongoing or periodic throughout the life of the program • Evaluation • Typically at mid-point in a funding cycle, a year before the end • Impact evaluation - 3 to 5 years afterwards • Delay depends on the nature of the project

12. Focus of the Module • The design and implementation of a monitoring system will not be addressed here • There are many documents that you can review on this topic outside this workshop. Specific training is also available.

13. Objectives Program of activities (a strategy) Budget Basic triangular pyramid Calendar Reminder: The Four Basic Components of Any Project, Program or Policy

14. … the direct results of which... … must have effects... … to undertake activities... This chain is based on a series of logical relationships (if… then) called "causal relationships" Resources are mobilized… Evaluation Monitoring Monitoring and Evaluation, and the Chain of Project Results … and an impact on development

15. Harvests rescued, higher- performing public service, more effective justice system Improved food supply, higher level of education, longer life expectancy, better constitutional State Built buildings, trained staff, implemented processes, written legislations… Activities: building, training, organising, treating, writing ... Human material and financial resources Logical Structure of a Project or Program … the direct results of which... … to undertake activities... Resources are mobilised … must have effects… … and an impact on development inputs outcomes Impact Resources outputs

16. What is my organization doing in this movement ? General issue of project, program and policy evaluation What is the world dynamics ? Who leads this movement ? What is this organization’s (this client) evaluation culture? Its evaluation practices? Evaluation within the organization Are there national specificities ? Individualpractice Where is research at ? What definitions, vocabulary, practices? How can I enrich my experience ? What should I know how to do ? What do I know how to do ? Evaluation can be Approached at Three Levels