From Program Logic to Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Plan

Overview of the Process Transfer the evaluation and monitoring questions you have identified from the Program Logic into the M&E Plan template Work across the columns of the M&E plan template to identify data sources, data collection timeframes and responsibilities Identify who will evaluate the results from data that has been collected, as well as timeframes, and how the evaluation can be presented

M&E Plan Template Start off by transferring the information identified from your program logic into the template….. Your evaluation questions go here Your monitoring questions go here Your indicators question go here A M&E plan template can be downloaded from the toolbox

It will look something like this

Now, identify the data source….

…and identify the other information required to complete the monitoring ResponsibilitiesTimeframes Cost, eg. consultants, or technology

Now, consider who will evaluate the data, and how it will be reported Consider who will be making a judgement as to whether the data indicates the achievement of success or otherwise Think about how the evaluation findings will be reported. Consider the audience, and their requirements. As well as reports, you could consider using presentations in meetings, newsletters, memos etc….

Now, consider who will evaluate the data, and how it will be reported Finally, consider when you will report evaluation findings. This may be dictated by the requirements of your audience. Funding agencies may require regular reporting. Councillors may have specific timelines as well. Also think about providing feedback to participants or the target group.

The final M&E plan complements provides a framework and guide as to what to evaluate

Highlight data sources that appear frequently. – For example, you may be able to develop surveys that fulfil the data collection requirements for many questions. Consider re-ordering the M&E plan in several ways. – For example, by data source, or by data collection timeframe. Review the M&E Plan

Review the content, and consider: – Does it capture all that you need to know in order to make a meaningful evaluation of the project? – Do you need to prioritise some questions in order to work within your budget and other resources? Review the M&E Plan

Remember…. Do not ask evaluation questions unless someone really needs to know the answer. Do not collect data if it will not be used to answer a question. To do so will be a waste of time and resources that could be allocated to meeting other evaluation requirements.