Table 1.
Characteristics of Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring
Continuous
Keepstrack; oversight; analyses a
nd documents progress
Focuses on inputs, activities, outputs,
implementation processes, continue
d relevance, likely results at outcome
level
Answers what activities were implem
ented and results achieve
Alerts managers to problems and pro
vides options for corrective actions
Self-
assessment by programme mana
gers, supervisors, community
stakeholders, and donors
Sources: UNICEF, 1991. WFP, May 2000.
Evaluation
Periodic: at important milest
ones such as the mid-
term of programme impleme
ntation; at the end or
a substantial period after pr
ogramme conclusion
In-
depth analysis; Compares p
lanned with actual achieve
ments
Focuses on outputs in relatio
n
to inputs; results in relation to
cost; processes used to achi
eve results; overall relevance
; impact; and sustainability
Answers why and how result
s were achieved. Contributes
to building theories and mod
els for change
Provides managers with
strategy and policy option
s
Internal and/or external
analysis by programme
managers, supervisors,
community stakeholder
s, donors, and/or extern
al evaluators