Overview
Generally, people embark on projects with the intention to address identified needs or to accomplish specific goals. During the implementation of the project most attention is directed towards the attainment of project deliverables and sub-objectives. It is however necessary to commit time to monitor and evaluate the progress being made in the project versus set goals and time lines.
Monitoring and evaluation is important because it provides the only consolidated source of information showcasing project progress; it also allows actors to learn from each other’s experiences, building on expertise and knowledge; in so doing M&E helps improve performance and achieve results. Needless to say that good research design forms the foundation of a good M&E process. The goal of M&E is to improve current and future management of outputs, outcomes and impact. It is mainly used to assess the performance of projects, institutions and programmes set up by governments, international organizations and NGOs. It establishes links between the past, present and future actions.
- By the end of the course students will be able to:
- ✓ Understand and appropriately use statistical terms and concepts
- ✓ Design and Implement universally acceptable research
- ✓ Develop functional research protocol
- ✓ Design both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools
- ✓ Understand what monitoring and evaluation entails
- ✓ Develop log-frame using project case study
- ✓ Design and use performance indicators relevant for their case projects ✓ Identify risks and assumptions in case projects
- ✓ Describe key features in outcome mapping as an approach to monitoring and evaluation ✓ Develop M&E plan for case projects
- ✓ Design monitoring tools and conduct a monitoring exercise (field based) ✓ Describe impact evaluation and design evaluation terms of reference of a case project ✓ Develop evaluation plan/framework and design evaluation tools by using evaluation terms of reference of a case project
- ✓ Design participatory M&E data collection tools
- ✓ Use most significant change technique in M&E
- ✓ Perform simple to complex data management tasks using software
- ✓ Appreciate MIS in programs/projects and organizations
- ✓ Analyze qualitative data using a case study
- ✓ Collect M&E data and write reports from survey data
- ✓ Analyze quantitative data using SPSS package
- This course targets individuals who work or intend to work in M&E both at field level and managerial level. The course will also be useful to data analysts who primarily work with producing meaningful reports deduced from the data collected in surveys and ongoing projects. The course is designed for students who work or intend to work in the private sector, government institutions, research institutions and NGOs.
The course will be delivered over 6 months with classes being conducted in every other Saturday from 8:00am to 11am. There is room for flexibility upon class request. What is required is a total of 6hrs a month.
- At least 5 ‘O’ Levels.
- The course will be made up of five modules and a research project which must be completed over the duration of the course.
Module 1: Research Design
- The success of any research depends on how well the research was designed. This course introduces students to the foundations and basic principles of research including the different types of research, and different approaches to research – both qualitative and quantitative
- Students are taught various sampling methods and the types of research that are best applied to. Different data collection methods are also discussed such as survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, tests etc.
- Students a given an opportunity to develop a research protocol which in essence a critical research implementation blueprint or guide.
Module 2: Principles of Monitoring and Evaluation
- This is an introductory module to Monitoring and Evaluation where students are made to understand the importance and the relevance of monitoring and evaluation. Students begin to understand the key differences between monitoring and evaluation.
- The course teaches students the correct approach to conducting needs assessments before embarking on projects. Students are taught the importance of identifying performance indicators and how to design them to ensure the effective monitoring and evaluation of projects.
- Some basic M&E tools are covered in this module; outcome mapping, logical framework and Gantt charts. Since every project has goals and objectives that drive the implementation this
module gives students an opportunity to learn how and when to take a pause to assess if the desired impact is being achieved and if the design of the project is leading the project towards success.
Module 3: Monitoring and Evaluation Planning and Implementation tools.
- The effective application of monitoring and evaluation can only be achieved through the adoption of some valuable M&E planning and implementation tools. Students are taught how to use and when to apply these critical tools. Amongst them students will learn how to design a new program and how to design a thorough and accurate logical framework and the designing of an M&E plan ad framework. In addition, the course will cover problem tree analysis, stakeholder analysis, and how to draw up a theory of change for a given case project. Students also learn how to adopt the most significant change technique for project evaluation.
Module 4: ICT for Monitoring and Evaluation
- In the same way ICT is the driver and backbone of business today, ICT is a critical business partner in project monitoring and evaluation.
- Students are exposed to the function and role that ICT has to play in ensuring project success from project planning, through to implementation and project completion. This module includes issues such as the data processing cycle, data collection, data backup and data security, and how to enforce data security in M&E.
Module 5: Data Management and Analysis
- A Large part of monitoring and evaluation involves the collection of facts and gathering of data. To begin with, the course teaches students to create Excel spreadsheets and survey forms.
- Students familiarise themselves with data collection and some statistical methods – such as summations, averages, variances, chi-square tests etc.
- Students learn to manipulate data as a means to derive from it insightful facts that can guide the successful project implementation process.
- The course teaches students simple to complex data management using MS Excel and / or SPSS. Students are taught both quantitative and qualitative data analysis and the generation of reports from survey data.
Module 6: Research Project
- Upon completion of the executive certificate course, students will be required to identify and embark on research projects in subject areas of their choice. They will be expected to apply as much of what is learnt in the various modules as much as possible in the implementation of the project. The project will enable students to apply theories learnt throughout the course
Tuition: USD 200
Application fee: USD 20
Enrollment fee: USD 20