Operational definition of of Monitoring and Evaluation Terms
- 1. Operational definition of M&E terms Unit 2 Definition of key terms An Indicator – A measurable qualitative or quantitative factor or variable that can be used to describe a situation that exists and to measure changes or trends over a period of time. It measures change in a phenomena or process It is a sign showing the progress of a situation It is a basis of measuring progress towards objectives
- 2. Definition of key terms cont. Goal- a statement of longer-term intent; The long term objective, change of state or improved situation to which a development intervention is intended to contribute Objective- A specific statement detailing the overall desired accomplishments of a project within a given period of time. A good objective should be impact oriented, measurable, time limited, specific and practical
- 3. Definition of key terms cont. Input- The financial, human and material resources necessary to produce the intended outputs of a project Output- The tangible(easily measurable, practical), immediate and intended results to be produced through sound management of the agreed inputs. Examples include goods, services, infrastructure Outcome- The results achieved at the level of “purpose” in the objective hierarchy
- 4. Operational definition of M&E terms cont. Target- is a specification of the quantity, quality, timing and location to be realized for a key indicator by a given date. Starting from a baseline level for an indicator the desired improvement is defined taking into account planned resource provision and activities to arrive at a performance target from that indicator
- 5. Types of Indicators Input indicators Process indicators Output indicators Outcome indicators Impact indicators
- 6. Definition of key terms cont. Impact- The overall effect of accomplishing specific results. Impact is the longer-term or ultimate effect attributable to the programme or project Result- The measurable output, outcome or impact(negative or positive, intended or unintended) Activity- The action taken or work performed in a project using inputs such as funds to produce specific outputs
- 7. Definition of key terms cont. Assumptions – External factors that could affect the progress or success of a project. They are necessary to achieve project objectives but are largely beyond the control of the project/ program Effectiveness- The extent to which a project or programme attains its objectives, expected accomplishments and delivers planned outputs
- 8. Definition of key terms cont. Efficiency – A measure of how well inputs (funds, expertise, time etc) are converted into outputs Quantitative – Something measured or measurable that is concerned with quantity and measured in numbers Qualitative- Something that is not summarized in numerical form. It normally describes people’s knowledge, attitudes, or behaviour
- 9. Definition of key terms cont. Validity- the extent to which the data collection strategies and instruments measure what they purport to measure Reliability- consistency or dependability of data and evaluation judgments with reference to the quality of instruments, procedures and analysis used to collect and interpret evaluation data
- 10. Definition of key terms cont. Sustainability- the probability of continued of long term benefits from development intervention after major development assistance has been achieved Reporting- the systematic and timely provision of essential information at periodic intervals. It is integral part of monitoring and evaluation Feedback- a process within the framework of M&E by which information and knowledge are disseminated and used to assess overall progress towards results or confirm the achievement of results
- 11. Definition of key terms cont. Logical framework Management tool(also known as a log frame) used to identify strategic elements of a programme or project(objective, expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement, outputs and inputs) and their casual relationships, indicators and the assumptions or risks that may influence success and failure It facilitates planning, monitoring and evaluation of a development intervention in a programme or project
- 12. Definition of key terms cont. Results based M&E This is a modern approach that moves beyond the traditional inputs-outputs focused M&E Focuses on analyzing outcomes and impact Enables increased accountability, transparency and results from governments and organizations
- 13. Class Discussion How is reporting and feedback carried out in your organization