Course Details

Training On Advanced Project Monitoring and Evaluation for Development Projects

INTRODUCTION

Effective project monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are crucial for ensuring the success of development projects. As the complexity of global challenges increases, development practitioners need to go beyond basic M&E skills to adopt advanced techniques that can accurately assess a project's performance, outcomes, and long-term impact. This Advanced Project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for Development Projects course is designed to provide participants with in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge M&E methodologies, tools, and practices.

The course will equip professionals with the skills required to design, implement, and manage comprehensive M&E systems that not only track project progress but also measure the broader developmental impact. Advanced M&E integrates real-time data collection, participatory techniques, impact evaluations, and adaptive management practices to ensure that development projects are aligned with strategic goals, meet donor expectations, and contribute to sustainable change.

DURATION

5 Days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This training is ideal for experienced project managers, M&E specialists, development practitioners, and anyone involved in monitoring and evaluating development projects who wish to upgrade their skills and implement advanced M&E systems in their organizations.

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Design Advanced M&E Systems: Develop and implement comprehensive M&E frameworks using logical models, results-based management, and advanced evaluation tools.
2. Apply Advanced Monitoring Techniques: Use real-time data collection methods, advanced indicators, and dashboards to track project progress efficiently.
3. Conduct Rigorous Impact Evaluations: Implement robust impact evaluation designs such as Randomized Control Trials (RCTs), Difference-in-Differences (DiD), and Propensity Score Matching (PSM).
4. Integrate Qualitative & Quantitative Approaches: Combine qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques to enhance the depth and accuracy of evaluations.
5. Engage Stakeholders Effectively: Foster participatory M&E practices, ensuring stakeholder engagement in every phase of the project cycle.
6. Use Data for Decision-Making: Interpret M&E data for adaptive project management, report writing, and making evidence-based decisions to enhance project outcomes.
7. Measure Sustainability and Long-Term Impact: Evaluate projects’ contribution to long-term development goals and their sustainability beyond the project life cycle.
8. Report Results to Donors and Stakeholders: Communicate findings effectively to donors, partners, and other stakeholders through clear and actionable reports.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to Advanced M&E for Development Projects

• Review of Basic M&E Concepts:
  • Project Cycle and M&E in Development Projects
  • The Role of M&E in Accountability and Learning
• Frameworks and Approaches:
  • Logical Framework (LogFrame) Review
  • Results-Based Management (RBM)
  • M&E in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Module 2: Designing Advanced M&E Systems

• Developing M&E Frameworks:
  • Advanced Logic Models and Theories of Change
  • Building Effective Results Frameworks
• Defining Indicators:
  • Developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Indicators
  • Designing Complex Indicators for Tracking Outcomes and Impacts

Module 3: Advanced Data Collection and Real-Time Monitoring Techniques

• Real-Time Monitoring Systems:
  • Mobile Data Collection (MDC) Tools: KoboToolbox, ODK, etc.
  • Using Dashboards for Real-Time Monitoring (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Participatory Monitoring Techniques:
  • Engaging Beneficiaries in Data Collection
  • Using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Tools in M&E

Module 4: Quantitative Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation

• Quantitative Data Collection Methods:
  • Surveys, Structured Interviews, and Sampling Techniques
  • Longitudinal Data Collection
• Quantitative Data Analysis:
  • Statistical Techniques for Evaluating Results (Descriptive and Inferential Statistics)
  • Using Software Tools: SPSS, STATA, R

Module 5: Qualitative Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation

• Qualitative Data Collection Techniques:
  • Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs)
  • Case Studies, Observation, and Document Review
• Qualitative Data Analysis:
  • Thematic Analysis, Grounded Theory, and Coding Techniques
  • Using Software: NVivo, Atlas.ti for Qualitative Data Management

Module 6: Impact Evaluation: Designs and Methodologies

• Introduction to Impact Evaluation:
  • Difference Between Monitoring, Outcome, and Impact Evaluation
• Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs:
  • Randomized Control Trials (RCTs)
  • Difference-in-Differences (DiD)
  • Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
  • Instrumental Variables (IV) and Regression Discontinuity Designs (RDD)

Module 7: Mixed Methods in M&E

• Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches:
  • Strengths of Mixed Methods for M&E
  • Triangulation of Data for Comprehensive Evaluation
  • Designing and Implementing Mixed Methods Studies

Module 8: Adaptive Management and Real-Time Decision Making

• Using M&E Data for Adaptive Project Management:
  • Incorporating Feedback Loops for Continuous Improvement
  • Monitoring Risks and Managing Change
• Adaptive Management in Complex Environments:
  • Dynamic M&E Frameworks for Development Projects
  • Flexibility in M&E Plans to Adjust to Changing Conditions

Module 9: Reporting, Communicating, and Using M&E Results

• Communicating Results to Stakeholders:
  • Writing Clear and Actionable M&E Reports
  • Data Visualization Techniques for Stakeholder Communication (using Tableau, Excel)
• Presenting Data to Different Audiences:
  • Communicating with Donors, Project Teams, and Beneficiaries
  • Tailoring Reports for Policymakers and Development Partners

Module 10: Measuring Sustainability and Long-Term Impact

• Sustainability in M&E:
  • Tracking the Long-Term Impact of Development Projects
  • Evaluating Contributions to National and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with 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