Course Details

Training On Program Project Monitoring Evaluation Accountability And Learning (PMEAL)

INTRODUCTION

In the realm of development and humanitarian projects, effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) are key to ensuring project success, improving transparency, and fostering continuous learning for future projects. This 10-day MEAL training course is designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to develop and manage MEAL systems that enhance program effectiveness, accountability to stakeholders, and informed decision-making.

This advanced course focuses on integrating MEAL principles into every stage of the project life cycle, from project design to implementation and post-project learning. By implementing a strong MEAL system, organizations can track progress, measure outcomes and impact, ensure accountability to beneficiaries and donors, and generate valuable insights to inform policy and programming.

The course offers practical tools and methodologies for applying MEAL frameworks, gathering and analyzing data, and using evidence for learning and adaptive management. It is ideal for development professionals, project managers, M&E specialists, program officers, and others involved in managing development and humanitarian programs.

DURATION

10 Days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This is a general training is targeting variety of programme staff, management team members and thematic staff, Project Management Officials, government officials, programme managers; policy makers and programme implementers; development practitioners and activists and NGO and CSO members.

OBJECTIVES

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

1. Develop Comprehensive MEAL Frameworks: Design effective MEAL frameworks, aligned with the project’s theory of change, that ensure systematic tracking of progress, results, and learning.
2. Implement Advanced Monitoring Systems: Set up real-time monitoring mechanisms using both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools to track project outputs and outcomes.
3. Apply Rigorous Evaluation Techniques: Conduct formative, process, and impact evaluations using appropriate evaluation methodologies to assess project performance and inform future interventions.
4. Ensure Accountability: Establish accountability mechanisms to ensure transparency and responsiveness to stakeholders, particularly beneficiaries, partners, and donors.
5. Promote Learning and Adaptive Management: Foster a culture of continuous learning through data-driven decision-making, reflection, and adaptive management.
6. Manage Data Efficiently: Utilize advanced data management systems and tools to collect, store, analyze, and report data.
7. Communicate Results Effectively: Generate insightful, actionable reports and use data visualization techniques to present results to stakeholders, donors, and decision-makers.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to MEAL in Development and Humanitarian Programs

• Overview of MEAL Concepts:
  • Understanding Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
  • The Role of MEAL in the Project Life Cycle
  • Difference Between M&E and MEAL
• MEAL and Project Cycle Management:
  • Integration of MEAL into Project Design, Implementation, and Closure

Module 2: Designing MEAL Frameworks

• Theory of Change and Results Frameworks:
  • Developing a Theory of Change for Programs
  • Logical Frameworks (LogFrame) and Results Frameworks
• Indicator Development:
  • Defining SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation
  • Linking Indicators to Objectives, Outputs, and Outcomes

Module 3: Advanced Monitoring Systems and Tools

• Real-Time Monitoring Systems:
  • Setting up Real-Time Monitoring Using Mobile Data Collection Tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK)
  • Use of Dashboards and Monitoring Software (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Monitoring Techniques:
  • Participatory Monitoring Approaches (Community-Based Monitoring)
  • Tracking Performance Against Indicators

Module 4: Evaluation Methodologies

• Types of Evaluations:
  • Formative, Summative, Process, Outcome, and Impact Evaluation
  • Choosing the Right Evaluation Design Based on Program Context
• Evaluation Tools:
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation Tools
  • Data Collection Methods (Surveys, Focus Group Discussions, Interviews)

Module 5: Data Collection and Analysis

• Quantitative Data Collection and Analysis:
  • Survey Design, Sampling, and Data Collection Techniques
  • Using Statistical Tools (SPSS, STATA, R) for Data Analysis
• Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis:
  • Coding and Thematic Analysis of Qualitative Data
  • Using NVivo or Atlas.ti for Qualitative Data Analysis
• Mixed Methods Approach:
  • Combining Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches for Holistic Analysis

Module  6: Accountability in MEAL

• Accountability to Beneficiaries and Stakeholders:
  • Establishing Beneficiary Feedback Mechanisms
  • Ensuring Donor Accountability and Transparency
• Setting Up Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms:
  • Designing Effective Feedback Mechanisms in Development Projects
  • Ensuring Stakeholder Engagement Throughout the Project Cycle

Module 7: Data Management and Data Quality

• Data Management Systems:
  • Designing and Implementing MEAL Databases
  • Using Tools Like Excel, Power BI, and Other MEAL Software
• Ensuring Data Quality:
  • Data Validation, Reliability, and Triangulation
  • Managing and Ensuring Consistent Data Across the Project Life Cycle

Module 8: Adaptive Management and Learning

• Using MEAL for Adaptive Project Management:
  • Adapting Project Activities Based on Monitoring Data and Evaluation Findings
  • Incorporating Learning Loops into Program Management
• Promoting Organizational Learning:
  • Fostering a Culture of Learning within Development Organizations
  • Documenting and Sharing Lessons Learned Across Teams and Stakeholders

Module 9: Reporting, Communication, and Data Visualization

• Communicating MEAL Results:
  • Writing Effective and Actionable MEAL Reports
  • Storytelling through Data: Presenting Data for Different Audiences (Donors, Beneficiaries, Policy Makers)
• Data Visualization Tools:
  • Using Tableau, Power BI, and Excel for Data Visualization
  • Creating Infographics and Dashboards to Communicate Results

Module 10: MEAL for Sustainable Development and Long-Term Impact

• Sustainability and MEAL:
  • Evaluating Long-Term Impact and Sustainability of Development Projects
  • Linking MEAL to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Continuous Improvement and Learning:
  • Leveraging MEAL Findings to Improve Future Project Designs
  • Embedding MEAL Practices in Organizational Structures for Continuous Improvement

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