Training Manual: Certificate Course in Monitoring and
Evaluation
Turning Data into Decisions for Development Impact
Module 1: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation
Purpose: To establish a clear understanding of what M&E; is, why it is important, and how it fits into the
project cycle.
Key Concepts & Definitions:
• Monitoring – Continuous assessment of project progress against set targets.
• Evaluation – Periodic assessment of the relevance, efficiency, and impact of a project.
• Learning – Using M&E; results to improve future performance.
• M&E; System – Processes, tools, and people involved in collecting, analyzing, and using information.
Teaching Points:
• Importance of M&E; for accountability and learning.
• Differences between monitoring, evaluation, and auditing.
• Where M&E; fits into the project life cycle.
Example: A rural health project tracking monthly clinic attendance (monitoring) vs. assessing whether
community health has improved over 3 years (evaluation).
Discussion Prompt: Why do some organizations struggle with M&E;?
Exercise: List three ongoing projects you know and suggest one monitoring indicator for each.
Module 2: M&E; Frameworks and Planning
Purpose: To equip participants with tools for structuring an M&E; system from project design.
Key Concepts & Definitions:
• Logic Model – Inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact.
• Theory of Change – Mapping how activities are expected to lead to desired change.
• Logframe (Logical Framework) – A tabular M&E; planning tool.
Teaching Points:
• Linking project objectives to measurable results.
• Identifying stakeholders and their information needs.
• Risks of not having an M&E; framework before project implementation.
Example: An agricultural project using a logframe to link seed distribution (input) to improved crop yield
(outcome).
Discussion Prompt: Can a good logframe save a failing project? Why or why not?
Exercise: Develop a mini-logframe for a school feeding program.
Module 3: Indicators and Data Collection
Purpose: To teach participants how to measure progress and impact effectively.
Key Concepts & Definitions:
• Types of Indicators: Input, output, outcome, and impact indicators.
• SMART Criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.
• Data Collection Methods – Surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation.
Teaching Points:
• Choosing indicators that are meaningful and practical.
• Balancing quantitative and qualitative indicators.
• Triangulation – Using multiple sources to verify data.
Example: Measuring “youth employment rate” through both official labor statistics and focus group
discussions.
Discussion Prompt: What’s the risk of having too many indicators?
Exercise: Write three SMART indicators for a literacy program.
Module 4: Data Management and Analysis
Purpose: To ensure participants can manage, analyze, and interpret M&E; data.
Key Concepts & Definitions:
• Data Quality Assurance (DQA) – Accuracy, completeness, consistency.
• Data Analysis Tools – Excel, SPSS, Power BI.
• Data Visualization – Graphs, dashboards, infographics.
Teaching Points:
• Organizing raw data for analysis.
• Identifying trends and patterns.
• Presenting results in decision-friendly formats.
Example: Using Excel pivot tables to analyze school exam pass rates over 5 years.
Discussion Prompt: Why might accurate data still fail to influence decisions?
Exercise: Using a sample dataset, create a chart showing trends in project outputs.
Module 5: Reporting and Using M&E; Findings
Purpose: To help participants communicate M&E; results to stakeholders effectively.
Key Concepts & Definitions:
• M&E; Report Structure – Executive summary, methodology, findings, recommendations.
• Communicating to Different Audiences – Donors, beneficiaries, management.
• Learning and Adaptation – Using findings to improve implementation.
Teaching Points:
• Writing reports that are concise and actionable.
• Avoiding technical jargon for non-technical readers.
• Closing the feedback loop – Ensuring findings are acted upon.
Example: Summarizing a 30-page technical report into a 2-page donor brief.
Discussion Prompt: How do we ensure reports lead to real change?
Exercise: Draft a one-page summary of a project’s key outcomes.
Organized by: Effort Business School
Contact: +237 677 789 369 | www.effortbs.org
