How Monitoring and Evaluation is done

Monitoring and Evaluation is an important tool for measuring change. However, often times people tend to forget that in order to engage in M&E interventions there is always going to be that one procedure which you always have to abide to in order to make it a success. 

Take this as an important example, imagine you were employed as M&E coordinator and then you are tasked with the responsibility of managing everything to do with M&E in that organization. What are some of the first things that should be done to get the ball rolling? First things first, Monitoring and Evaluation is pretty straight forward but can get really complicated. You see folks, Monitoring and Evaluation is a process that is usually repeated in order to be able to achieve the objectives sought. 

This article will provide a step by step process of how Monitoring and Evaluation is really done;

STEPS 

1. Review of Relevent literature 

Before any activity can be done, there is need to actually understand what it is you are actually going to be monitoring and evaluating. This is important because ultimately, what ever information you decide to collect, it should answer the questions that the Project is actually trying to solve. One of the most important documents that are key in the implementation of M&E activities is the log frame. This is because it is only in the log frame that you will find all the indicators that you are actually trying to measure. 

2. Development of Data Collection Tools

Based on your reading and based on the information collected from the Logframe, then can you now begin to develop data collection tools. These data collection tools are the tools that you will use to actually collect the data that you need to answer the Why, What, When and how?

3. Actual Data collection in the field

After the tools have been developed, it is then now the time to begin actual collection of all the relevant information that you need. Whether you are collecting primary or secondary data, the key is to clearly outline how this information answers the key questions that this project is trying to solve. 

4. Data Analysis

When you have collected all the necessary data, then you should begin to analyse the data and make sense of it. Questions you should ask yourself is whether the information is speaking to the information needs of the project or not.

5. Reporting

As soon as you have completed the data analysis process, the next step is to report the information. All information that is reported on must be based on the Logframe.

The 5 step process is just the tip of the ice berg, but in reality it can get really complicated. And because of these kind of complications it only takes the right M&E personnel and management to address these kinds of challenges. One challenge that some organizations face is striking a balance between available funds to undertake such an activity and management buy in.