Course Details

Project Management Monitoring and Evaluation with MS Projects Training Course

INTRODUCTION

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) with MS Projects Training Course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively use Microsoft Project (MS Projects) for planning, tracking, and evaluating the performance of development projects. MS Projects is a powerful project management tool widely used to organize tasks, manage timelines, allocate resources, and track progress, making it ideal for the monitoring and evaluation of programs across various sectors.

In this course, participants will learn how to integrate M&E methodologies with MS Projects, enabling them to plan project activities, set performance indicators, monitor project milestones, and evaluate project outcomes efficiently. This training provides hands-on experience in using MS Projects for data management, reporting, and analysis, ensuring that participants can make informed decisions based on real-time project performance data.

ORGANIZATIONAL BENEFITS

Implementing Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) with MS Projects offers numerous advantages for organizations managing complex projects or programs. By integrating the powerful project management tools of Microsoft Project with M&E practices, organizations can enhance efficiency, ensure accountability, and improve decision-making. Here are the key organizational benefits:

• Improved Project Planning and Management
  Organizations can create detailed project plans that integrate M&E frameworks, enabling them to manage timelines, resources, and milestones more effectively. This results in better control over project execution and improved alignment with organizational goals.
• Enhanced Real-Time Monitoring and Performance Tracking
  With MS Projects, organizations can monitor project progress in real time. This ensures that deviations from the project plan are identified early, enabling timely interventions that prevent delays and budget overruns.
• Data-Driven Decision Making
  MS Projects provides actionable data on project performance, enabling managers to make informed, evidence-based decisions. The insights gained from this data can help optimize resource allocation, adjust timelines, and improve overall project outcomes.
• Increased Accountability and Transparency
  By integrating M&E processes within MS Projects, organizations can track key performance indicators (KPIs) and outcomes more transparently. This fosters greater accountability among project teams and ensures stakeholders can access up-to-date, accurate reports on project progress.
• Optimized Resource Allocation
  MS Projects allows organizations to allocate and monitor resources efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring that project resources are used in the most cost-effective manner. This helps in managing budgets and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within scope.
• Streamlined Reporting and Communication
  The ability to generate detailed reports and dashboards through MS Projects enables organizations to communicate progress clearly and efficiently to stakeholders, donors, and leadership teams. This fosters better understanding and collaboration.

DURATION

5 days

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Role of MS Projects in M&E
  Learn how Microsoft Project can be used as a tool for organizing and managing the monitoring and evaluation processes in development and public sector projects.
• Set Up Project Plans Using MS Projects
  Develop comprehensive project plans that include timelines, tasks, milestones, resources, and performance indicators necessary for effective project monitoring.
• Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Milestones
  Set and manage performance indicators, milestones, and deliverables to track the progress of the project in alignment with M&E objectives.
• Monitor Project Progress in Real-Time
  Use MS Projects to monitor the real-time progress of project activities, track completion rates, and detect deviations from the project plan.
• Allocate and Manage Resources Efficiently
  Allocate resources (human, financial, and material) within MS Projects, and monitor resource usage to ensure that projects are running within budget and scope.
• Apply M&E Frameworks to Project Timelines
  Incorporate M&E frameworks into project schedules, ensuring that evaluation checkpoints are clearly integrated into project timelines.
• Generate Reports and Dashboards
  Use MS Projects to generate detailed reports and visual dashboards that communicate project performance, helping stakeholders to understand the progress, bottlenecks, and outcomes.
• Analyze Project Data for Evaluative Insights
  Analyze data gathered through MS Projects to evaluate project performance, assess impact, and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Create Gantt Charts for M&E Tracking
  Develop and use Gantt charts to visualize and track project timelines, activities, and key deliverables as part of the M&E process.
• Improve Decision-Making Through Data-Driven M&E
  Use the data and insights from MS Projects to support evidence-based decision-making, enhance project efficiency, and ensure better outcomes through ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Overview of M&E: Definitions, importance, and principles.
• M&E in Project Management: Integrating M&E with project management processes.
• Role of MS Projects in M&E: How MS Projects supports M&E activities.

Module 2: Getting Started with MS Projects

• Introduction to MS Projects: Overview of features and interface.
• Setting Up a New Project: Creating and configuring a new project plan.
• Project Planning Basics: Defining project scope, tasks, and deliverables.

Module 3: Designing M&E Frameworks in MS Projects

• Setting Up Performance Indicators: Defining and integrating KPIs and success criteria.
• Creating Project Milestones: Establishing key milestones and checkpoints.
• Incorporating M&E Activities: Integrating M&E tasks and activities into the project plan.

Module 4: Tracking Project Progress

• Monitoring Tasks and Timelines: Using MS Projects to track progress against the schedule.
• Updating Project Status: Recording and managing task completions and delays.
• Resource Allocation and Tracking: Managing and monitoring resource usage.

Module 5: Data Collection and Analysis

• Collecting Data Using MS Projects: Capturing and recording project data.
• Analyzing Project Data: Using built-in tools and features for data analysis.
• Reporting and Dashboards: Creating and customizing reports and dashboards to visualize project performance.

Module 6: Evaluating Project Performance

• Conducting Mid-Term and Final Evaluations: Assessing project performance at various stages.
• Comparing Actual vs. Planned Performance: Analyzing deviations and outcomes.
• Using Evaluation Results: Making data-driven decisions to improve project outcomes.

Module 7: Advanced Features and Techniques

• Using Gantt Charts for M&E: Visualizing project timelines and progress.
• Customizing MS Projects for M&E Needs: Tailoring the software to fit specific M&E requirements.
• Integration with Other Tools: Linking MS Projects with other M&E tools and systems.

CERTIFICATION

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com