Monitoring and Evaluation

A. Monitoring

Monitoring may be defined as the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and use of data that occurs during the course of a project. The purpose of monitoring is to determine whether a project or program is being implemented as designed and is having the intended results. Good monitoring offers steady direction to project implementation and enhances performance, transparency, accountability, and quality reporting.

Common themes to consider when monitoring are project status, accomplishments, challenges, changes in context and beneficiaries, trends, partner performance, cost effectiveness, general observations, and followup issues. Monitoring should take into account the framework of the program, meaning the objectives, activities, their affiliated expected results, and the indicators by which progress will be measured. Good indicators are direct, objective, practical, adequate, and replicable. A combination of qualitative and quantitative indicators should be used to ensure a well-balanced representation of the program. Quantitative data often includes such information as commodity distribution, activity output, or beneficiary reach, whereas qualitative data might rank changes in confidence levels, behavior, or attitudes.

Primary monitoring tools for data collection are partner reports, official cables, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, random surveys, and direct observation. Performance monitoring plans (PMPs) are also considered strong monitoring tools that serve to gauge program progress. PMPs are designed primarily for project implementers and include the framework of the program (objectives, activities, expected results, and indicators) as well as baseline data, activity targets, beneficiary details, a reporting schedule, and the persons responsible for collecting and disseminating the data.

The primary responsibility for collecting and using monitoring data on a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) falls to the planning function, although this responsibility, to a certain degree, applies to all DART Team members. Recommendations for monitoring include making the process highly participatory and decentralizing the use of streamlined tools, to the extent possible, to encourage data integrity.

B. Evaluation

Evaluation may be thought of as the periodic review of program activity outcome and impact, with an emphasis on lessons learned. Evaluations are reflective by nature and take into account performance and beneficiary reach. The results are often used when considering programmatic options and to guide future strategic and funding decisions. In terms of timing, evaluations are typically conducted at the end of a program or midway for programs of long duration. Best practices suggest the following themes be considered when conducting evaluations: relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, coverage, coherence, sustain-ability, and connectedness/coordination.

Miscellaneous Conversion Information

Celsius to Fahrenheit

(Celsius x 1.8) + 32 = Fahrenheit

Fahrenheit to Celsius

(Fahrenheit - 32) / 1.8 = Celsius

Weight of Water by Volume (at 16.7°°C or 62°°F)

• 1 liter = 1 kilogram
• 1 U.K. gallon = 10 pounds
• 1 U.K. gallon = 1.2 U.S. gallons
• 1 U.K. gallon = 4.54 liters
• 1 U.S. gallon = 0.833 U.K. gallons
• 1 U.S. gallon = 8.33 pounds
• 1 U.S. gallon = 3.79 liters
• 1 liter = 0.26 gallons
• 1 cubic foot of water = 62.3 pounds (7.48 gallons)

Distance

1 nautical mile = 1.152 statute miles = 1.852 kilometers

How To Calculate Area and Volume

Area = Width x Length

Area of a circle = πr²
where π= 3.14
r = 1/2 the diameter of a circle

Volume = Width x Length x Height

Volume of a cylinder = πr²H or πr²L
where: H = height of cylinder
L = length of cylinder

Metric to English Conversion Factors