Short Learning Programme on Monitoring and Evaluation

Since 1990 to date, the North West University through its Centre for Business and Management Developement Unit has been working with the North West Government on various matters including Performance and Monitoring and Evaluation tool to improve management and delivery of programmes and projects.
In 2009 the government policy in this regard, received a practical direction by the establishment under the Department of the Presidency referred to as “Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit”. This development, increased the demand for training in Monitoring and Evaluation.
Therefore this training aims to address the increase in demand from government, public and others interested groups to effectively manage and deliver services.

Purpose of the course

• To empower participants in the principles and practical application of Monitoring and Evaluation.
• To provide participants with skills to effectively employ the correct tools in tracking performance of programmes and projects.

Admission requirements

Course outcomes and assessment criteria

Study Unit

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

MODULE 1 (337063):

DEMONSTRATE KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHT INTO THE PRINCIPLES OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION IN ASSESSING ORGANISATION AND/OR PROGRAMME PERFORMANCE IN A SPECIFIC CONTEXT

At the end of the learning cycle, the learners will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Monitoring and Evaluation(M& E) Concept
• Role of M& E
• Application of M&E
• M&E as a National Priority
• Key institutions implementing the system
• Evaluation of M&E system

1. Explain with examples reasons why Government has introduced monitoring and evaluation as a national priority.
2. Describe the role of monitoring and evaluation in management at, strategic and operational levels.
3. State the relationship between indicators and a programme/project plan or organisation strategic plan is with reference to expectations and the measurement of performance at different levels.

1. Explain concepts related to monitoring and evaluation by scrutinising a range of policy documents.
2. Analyse ways in which the components of monitoring and evaluation are integrated into other processes with reference to relationships at macro, mezzo and micro levels.
3. Discuss the roles of key institutions/units/divisions in implementing the system with reference to performance information management and implementation strategies.
4. Support the alignment of plans and implementation structures with reference to the implications for organisation and/or programme performance in different sectors at different levels.

1. Analyse the components of a monitoring and evaluation system in order to explain the links between strategy, processes, and structure.
2. Develop the framework for a monitoring and evaluation system to assess the performance of an organisation or programme

1. Discuss critically different roles and responsibilities in a monitoring and evaluation process with reference to reporting structures and the strategic goals of an organisation.
2. Evaluate the application of a monitoring and evaluation system in specific roles is in terms of positive and negative implications.

MODULE 2 (337059):

APPLY MONITORING AND EVALUATION APPROACHES AND TOOLS TO ASSESS AN ORGANISATION'S OR PROGRAMME'S PERFORMANCE IN A SPECIFIC CONTEXT

At the end of the learning cycle, the learners will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Contextualising different approaches to and theories of monitoring and evaluation in a particular organisation.
• Demonstrating an understanding of appropriate research design and methodology for monitoring and evaluating an organisation or programme in a specific context.
• Designing a monitoring and evaluation plan for a specific context.
• Collecting appropriate data aligned to specific indicators in a monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Analysing and interpreting collated data.

1. Compare different approaches and theories with reference to their effectiveness in measuring the success of an intervention.
2. Evaluate approaches and theories in terms of their relevance for a specific sector or organisation.
3. Explain monitoring and evaluation concepts with reference to the relationship between the concepts and activities and processes in a particular plan.

1. Analyse different research design options in order to select an appropriate research design that links a perceived problem to monitoring and evaluation goals.
2. Discuss research tools with reference to the purpose and application in a specific context.

1. Conduct situational analysis in order to understand the nature of an identified problem.
2. Apply a research design process to develop a monitoring and evaluation plan for an intervention.

1. Discuss the difference between primary and secondary data sources with reference to purpose, use, and application of triangulation to verify collected data.
2. Identify appropriate data sources with reference to the specific indicators.
3. Collect data according to the indicators and manage according to a data management plan.

1. Explain qualitative and quantitative approaches to data analysis with reference to the purpose and use.
2. Analyse a dataset critically and triangulate it to identify similarities and differences, trends and how an intervention contributed to the achievement of goals and the solution of the problem.

1. Present findings in a written report.
2. Deliver findings orally for different audiences and purposes.