Training Course on Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (MEC006)
Training Course on Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation
The five-day course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive overview of results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methods, equipping them with practical tools and techniques essential for planning, organizing, and managing programs and projects. Through a combination of theory and active learning, attendees will explore the links between results-based measurement, monitoring, and program evaluation. The curriculum covers key topics such as theories of change, indicators of outputs and outcomes, designs for evaluation, data collection (including sampling), and data analysis. The course emphasizes an interactive approach, incorporating practical exercises, group work, and informal Q&A sessions to address common M&E challenges. Additionally, participants will receive valuable resources for further study and research in the M&E field. The workshop is designed to facilitate the translation of theory into practice, allowing participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios in their work environments.
Course Duration
Online Training: 5 days (4hrs per day)
Classroom Training: 5 days (7hrs per day)
Course Objectives
On completion, you will be able to:
- Understand the essentials of M&E, how to design and implement an M&E system and the factors involved in setting up an M&E unit
- Know where and how M&E fits within the organisational or national framework and strategies for successful integration
- Set up a database to collect, analyse, interpret and report on performance
- Design monitoring systems incorporating routine and ad-hoc data collection and reporting techniques
- Set objectives and design performance indicators and apply M&E techniques to the measurement of outcomes
- Design and implement a computerised M&E database information system
- Create and deliver outcome focused data-based reports that provide value-for-money solutions
Organisational Impact
Organizations whose staff attend this course will benefit from:
- Improved program planning, monitoring, and accountability
- Stronger results-based management and reporting systems
- Enhanced data quality for informed decision-making
- Increased organizational learning and adaptive management
- Improved donor compliance and reporting credibility
- Strengthened sustainability and impact of programs and projects
Personal Impact
Participants will gain:
- Practical, job-relevant skills in Results-Based M&E
- Enhanced ability to design and manage M&E systems
- Increased confidence in data analysis, reporting, and results use
- Hands-on experience with M&E tools, frameworks, and methodologies
- Exposure to real-world case studies and best practices
- A Certificate of Participation upon successful completion
Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Result Based M&E
- Fundamentals of Results Based Management
- Result based M&E cycle
- The emergence of RBM and its development
- RBM Lifecycle (Seven phases)
- Areas of focus of RBM
- Results based management vs traditional projects management
Module 2: What is Monitoring and evaluation?
- Definition of M&E
- Why is M&E important
- M&E and the project cycle management
- Keys principles and concepts in M&E
- Participatory M&E
Module 3: Situation analyses/Needs assessment
- Formative research
- Situation analysis
- Needs assessment
- Tools to conduct a needs assessment
- Illustrative examples of situation analysis and mappings
Module 4: Designing the M&E system
- The result chain approches
- Impact pathways
- Logical framework vs Theory of change
- Developing a theory of change
- Components of a theory of change
Module 5: M&E Frameworks
- Why are M&E frameworks important?
- Considerations when developing an M&E framework
- Steps in developing an M&E framework
- Results frameworks
- Logical frameworks
Module 6: Designing indicators and evidence
- What are indicators?
- Characteristics of good indicators
- Challenges and considerations when selecting indicators
- How many indicators are enough?
- Process versus result/impact indicators
- Process indicators
- Result indicators
- Output indicators
- Outcome indicators
- Impact indicators
- Developing internationally comparable indicators
Module 7: M&E Plans
- Importance of M&E Plan
- Documenting M&E System in the M&E Plan
- Components of an M&E Plan-Monitoring, Evaluation, Data management, Reporting
- M&E plan vs M&E Framework vs M&E System
Module 8: Evaluation Techniques
- Evaluation questions
- Steps to developing evaluation questions
- Illustrative examples
- Designing evaluations for stakeholder benefit and use
- Choice and use of qualitative and quantitative collection instruments
- Participatory data analysis
- Communicating findings meaningfully for comprehensive stakeholder learning
Module 9: Baseline Assessments
- What is baseline data and how is it collected?
- Needs assessment versus baseline study
- Questions to ask about a baseline plan
- What kind of baseline data is necessary, useful and practical to collect?
- Examples of baseline surveys
Module 10: Data Collection and Analysis
- Quantitative data
- Methods for collecting quantitative data
- Challenges and limitations of quantitative methods
- Qualitative data
- Methods for collecting qualitative data
- Pre/post intervention focus group discussions
- Pre/post intervention interviews
- Illustration and example with selected participatory methods
Module 11: M&E Results Use and Communication
- Developing a communications strategy based on evaluation findings.
- Communicating findings to bring about change.
- Presenting M&E results using different media.
- Different uses of M&E results
- M&E Reporting
- M&E results communication strategies
Note: The specific content, activities, and duration of each session may be adjusted based on the target audience, learning objectives, and available time.
Course Language
English
Training Methodology
The Results-Based M&E course will use a practical, participatory, and learner-centered approach to ensure participants acquire both conceptual understanding and applied skills. The methodology emphasizes hands-on exercises, real-world application, and interactive learning to translate theory into practice effectively.
Key components of the methodology include:
- Interactive Lectures and Discussions: Introducing key concepts of results-based management, monitoring, evaluation, and frameworks, with opportunities for questions, clarifications, and discussions.
- Hands-On Practical Exercises: Participants will practice designing M&E systems, developing indicators, setting objectives, creating evaluation plans, and implementing baseline assessments.
- Use of Case Studies and Real-World Examples: Application of RBM concepts to actual program and project scenarios to reinforce learning and problem-solving skills.
- Data Collection and Analysis Practice: Guided exercises using quantitative and qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, interviews, and participatory data collection approaches.
- M&E Tools and Software Application: Training in the use of computerized databases and frameworks for managing, analyzing, and reporting M&E data.
- Group Work and Peer Learning: Collaborative exercises to simulate stakeholder engagement, participatory evaluation, and results-based decision-making.
- Reporting and Communication Exercises: Practical sessions on presenting findings, communicating results effectively, and using evaluation outputs for decision-making and program improvement.
- Step-by-Step Guidance and Coaching: Trainers provide structured support throughout the course to ensure participants apply M&E techniques correctly.
- Reflective Learning and Knowledge Sharing: Participants reflect on lessons learned, discuss best practices, and plan for implementing RBM approaches in their organizational contexts.
- Continuous Feedback: Trainers provide ongoing feedback to reinforce learning and build confidence in M&E planning, implementation, and reporting.
Certification
Upon completion of training, the participant will be issued with a certificate of Completion.
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