M&E – Frameworks and Fundamentals

Instructor: Ann Doucette (The Evaluator’s Institute)

Time: 7/29/2015 – 7/31/2015

Description: The overall goal of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is the assessment of program progress to optimize outcome and impact – program results. While M&E components overlap, there are distinct characteristics of each. Monitoring activities systemically observe (formal and informal) assumed indicators of favorable results, while evaluation activities, build on monitoring indicator data to assess intervention/program effectiveness, the adequacy of program impact pathways, likelihood of program sustainability, the presence of program strengths and weaknesses, the value, merit and worth of the initiative, and the like. The increased emphasis on effectively managing toward favorable results demands a more comprehensive M&E approach in order to identify whether programs are on track or whether improved program strategies and mid-course corrections are needed.