Monitoring is focused on tracking, while evaluation is focused on verification. Some of the key features of monitoring and evaluation are presented below (Table 1). Table 1. Monitoring Evaluation Data collection Data collection Baseline Ongoing Post program comparisons Systematic Data availability Data availability Requires measurement specific to Accessible hypothesized outcomes Existing records Primary focus: outcomes, impact, Inventories sustainability Primary focus: input, activities, outputs, Often incorporates external efforts outcomes – performance Episodic assessment of change associated Internal efforts with implementation Systematic tracking key components Determine the effectiveness and efficiency (inputs, activities, progress, etc.) of implementation process Assess the alignment of implementation Assessment of inputs, activities other with original intent and design components to identify contribution to Identifies need for outcomes modification/adaptation Assessment of outcome and impact in Identify what has changed terms of investment, substance and value Tracking change (performance) in relation to outcome targets Aiming to assure effective and efficient monitoring it is of utmost importance to adequately define the monitoring indicators. One of the most common approaches in defining the monitoring indicators is SMART approach: Specific: precisely defined objectives; Measureable: progress toward objectives can be measured; Achievable: expectations that indicators are able to be tracked and will change given the environment and existing resources and time; Relevant: program outcomes support organizational mission and goals and be realistic and feasible to collect; Timely: clear statements of when objectives will be accomplished, knowledge of time taken to collect data, lag between activities, outputs and outcomes. Once the M&E indicators are defined it is necessary to decide on frequency of measurement. The role of measurement is to provide credible information and to inform decisions. Through monitoring and measurement decision makers are getting informed about: Program and/or intervention effectiveness;
Monitoring is focused on tracking, while evaluation is focused on verification. Some of the key features of monitoring and evaluation are presented below (Table 1). Table 1. Monitoring Evaluation Data collection Ongoing Systematic Data availability Accessible Existing records Inventories Primary focus: input, activities, outputs, outcomes – performance Internal efforts Systematic tracking key components (inputs, activities, progress, etc.) Assess the alignment of implementation with original intent and design Identifies need for modification/adaptation Identify what has changed Tracking change (performance) in relation to outcome targets Data collection Baseline Post program comparisons Data availability Requires measurement specific to hypothesized outcomes Primary focus: outcomes, impact, sustainability Often incorporates external efforts Episodic assessment of change associated with implementation Determine the effectiveness and efficiency of implementation process Assessment of inputs, activities other components to identify contribution to outcomes Assessment of outcome and impact in terms of investment, substance and value Aiming to assure effective and efficient monitoring it is of utmost importance to adequately define the monitoring indicators. One of the most common approaches in defining the monitoring indicators is SMART approach: Specific: precisely defined objectives; Measureable: progress toward objectives can be measured; Achievable: expectations that indicators are able to be tracked and will change given the environment and existing resources and time; Relevant: program outcomes support organizational mission and goals and be realistic and feasible to collect; Timely: clear statements of when objectives will be accomplished, knowledge of time taken to collect data, lag between activities, outputs and outcomes. Once the M&E indicators are defined it is necessary to decide on frequency of measurement. The role of measurement is to provide credible information and to inform decisions. Through monitoring and measurement decision makers are getting informed about: Program and/or intervention effectiveness;
7.%20Capitation%20-%20Monitoring%20and%20Evaluation%20approach%20EN.docx