Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring
Monitoring is a continuous function intended to gather real time information to inform effective management at micro and macro levels.  We consider monitoring to be broadly constituted of the following components:

1. Monitoring of resources; monitoring of finances, logistics and supply chain
2. Monitoring of activities and processes
3. Monitoring of performance

        
Evaluation
Evaluation is a periodic, systematic, specific, in-depth and results based assessment aimed at program improvement, ensuring accountability at all levels, learning and developing a knowledge database. We categorize evaluations into the following 3 subsets:

1. Performance evaluations
2. Impact evaluations
3. Specific evaluations

Despite the individual importance of monitoring and evaluation, both need to be synergistic. Monitoring facilitates evaluation and evaluation uses additional data collection and analytical frameworks. M&E systems need to be uncomplicated and easy to implement to achieve optimal efficiency.

Our approach to monitoring and evaluation:

At DP-360, based on our extensive experience in M&E systems we provide expertise in the following areas:

• Planning and establishing M&E strategy and systems
  - Executing, guiding and documenting routine monitoring
  - Planning and undertaking evaluations (In-country and desk reviews)
  - Performance evaluations
  - Impact assessments
  - Audits
  - Inspections
  - Reviews

While working on the M&E systems in any of the activities above, DP-360 approach is to consider the following elements, interalia:

• Project / program goals, objectives, deliverables, timeline, strategies and microplan
• Problem(s) addressed and their relevance to the bigger picture
• Value for money and return on investments for the organization
• Cost effectiveness of the interventions and implementation
• Leadership
• Partnerships and stakeholders
• Management controls
• Institutional arrangements, including roles, responsibilities and accountability
• Existing M&E policies and systems
  - Overall (organizational / national) policy context for M&E
  - Operational context for M&E
  - Gaps and challenges in the systems and operationalization of the existing M&E
  - Methodological limitations
  - M&E priorities
• Adapting M&E systems to conflict and post-conflict settings
• Knowledge and management information systems (MIS)
  - Data collection, analysis, documentation and reporting systems
• Accountability measures and systems
• Beneficiaries targeted
  - Intended audience and uses
  - Gender considerations