What are the Tools used in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Monitoring and Evaluation is made easier when you have the right tools to undertake such interventions. What is often referred to as the M&E tool kit, is a useful resource to finding the required documentation to help with undertaking M&E interventions. The M&E tool kit consists of all the relevant M&E tools and these tools are as follows;

• 1.0.Logical Framework
• 2.0.The Results Framework
• 3.0.The Indicator  
• 4.0.The Tools for Data Collection
• 5.0.Human Capacity for M&E
• 6.0.Organizational Structures with M&E Functions
• 7.0.Partnerships for Planning, Coordinating and Managing the M&E System
• 8.0.Communication, Advocacy and Culture for M&E
• 9.0.M&E Work Plan and costs
• 10.0.        Evaluation and Research  

In this article we will primary focus on points 1 to points 4. Lets understand what each of these terms mean,

(1) Logical Framework: 

The logical framework or logframe is a framework that provides an overview of the objectives, activities and resources of a project. It further goes on to define the indicators that must be monitored as soon as the project goes into implementation phase. Because the Logframe is so important, it is very critical in the implementation of M&E activities and is the heart of Monitoring and Evaluation Intervention.

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(II) The Results Framework

A results framework is a  tool that emphasises on results in order to share clarity around key project objectives. A results framework is an important aspects of tracking or monitoring results achieved. It also gives a summary of people staff responsible for an intervention also giving insights on the baseline and targets that are to be achieved in a certain period of time. 

(III) The Indicator:

An indicator is a variable that provides a means to measure change in a given period of time. Indicators are used in project implementation in order to gauge whether any results have been achieved. In principle an indicator should be SMART (Specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and Timebound).

An example of an indicator to measure the amount of money project participants have is e.g Net INCOME. Net income is an indicator because income can either increase or reduce in a given period of time.

(IV)The tools for data collection 

The tools for data collection refer to those instruments that are used to capture data on specific indicators. 

(a)Data Collection Methods and Tools:

During the planning process of the M&E study that you are going to conduct, there is need to decide on the kind of data that will be collected. Usually the decision has already been made by management because the logframe has been created already. However, what is critical is the data collection method. There are many methods that can be used to collect data but among them, below is a list of the most common methods;

• Observation
• One on one interviews 
• Use of past literature

Data can be categorized into two types namely the Quantitative or qualitative. Following are a few methods categorized on the basis of Quantitative data and Qualitative Data

Quantitative Data

• Before/after surveys, questionnaires, measurements, and analyses
• Central data source
• Local government official statistics
• Academics and university departments
• Think-tanks, policy institutes, research and advocacy organisations
• Trade association civic unions and business groups

Qualitative Data:

• Field observation visits
• Stakeholder meetings
• Interviews
• Group discussions, focus group discussions
• Case studies
• Stories of change
• Action research