Four Weeks Short Courses Results Based Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

This four-week comprehensive course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) with a practical, hands-on approach. Offered by the Tanzania Institute of Monitoring and Evaluation (TIME), the program focuses on developing essential M&E skills, including designing frameworks, conducting field data collection, data analysis, and report writing. Aimed at professionals, project managers, and development practitioners, the course combines theoretical instruction with real-world field experience, enabling participants to master the full M&E cycle.

The objective of the course is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding and practical skills in results-based M&E, enabling them to design, implement, and manage effective M&E systems for projects and programs. By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  1. Develop M&E Frameworks: Understand and apply core M&E concepts, including the Theory of Change, Logical Frameworks, and SMART indicators, to create structured M&E plans that guide project implementation and evaluation.
  2. Design and Implement Data Collection Tools: Create and refine quantitative and qualitative data collection tools, such as surveys, interviews, and observational checklists, ensuring ethical considerations and data quality management in field settings.
  3. Conduct Field Data Collection: Gain hands-on experience in conducting field data collection, managing logistical challenges, and adhering to ethical standards to gather high-quality data for project evaluation.
  4. Analyze Data and Interpret Findings: Perform data analysis using quantitative and qualitative techniques, transforming raw data into actionable insights that inform project progress and decision-making.
  5. Write and Present M&E Reports: Structure, write, and visually present findings in a comprehensive M&E report, effectively communicating results and recommendations to stakeholders to support evidence-based decision-making.

Course Content

  1. Week 1: M&E Foundations and Framework Design (Total Hours: 25 hours)

Monday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Introduction to M&E Concepts – Overview of M&E principles and objectives.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Developing Theory of Change – Understanding and creating a Theory of Change.

Tuesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Logical Framework Development – Building a Logical Framework (LogFrame).
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Developing SMART Indicators – Designing indicators, setting baselines, and establishing benchmarks.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Practical Exercise – Drafting an M&E framework and developing indicators for a sample project.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Refining the Framework – Reviewing and adjusting framework and indicators with feedback.

Thursday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Data Requirements for M&E – Identifying data sources and needs for the framework.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Indicator Operationalization – Operationalizing indicators with definitions and data collection methods.

Friday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Presentation of Frameworks – Participants present frameworks for peer and facilitator feedback.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Reflections – Summarizing Week 1 concepts and discussing key takeaways.
  1. Week 2: Data Collection Methods and M&E Implementation (Total Hours: 25 hours)

Monday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Quantitative Data Collection Techniques – Designing surveys and structured interviews.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Qualitative Data Collection Techniques – Conducting focus groups and observations.

Tuesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Data Collection Tool Design – Developing survey questions, interview guides, and observational checklists.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Tool Testing and Adjustment – Testing data collection tools and refining as needed.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ethical Considerations in Data Collection – Reviewing ethics, data quality management, and control measures.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Preparing for Fieldwork – Final preparations for the upcoming fieldwork in Week 3.

Thursday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Field Protocols and Logistics – Planning field logistics and ensuring data collection readiness.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Troubleshooting Field Challenges – Identifying potential field challenges and solutions.

Friday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Practical Exercise – Creating final data collection tools and field protocols.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Reflections – Reviewing Week 2 activities and discussing key takeaways.
  1. Week 3: Field Data Collection (Total Hours: 30 hours)

Monday

  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Field Data Collection Exercise – Supervised data collection on a sample project in teams.

Tuesday

  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Continued Field Data Collection – Ongoing data collection with guidance from field mentors.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Daily Debriefs – Discussion on field experiences, challenges, and solutions.

Thursday

  • 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Field Data Collection Documentation – Documenting data accurately and handling ethical considerations.

Friday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Field Reflection and Feedback – Final debrief on field experiences and lessons learned.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Initial Data Cleaning – Beginning data organization and basic data cleaning for analysis.
  1. Week 4: Data Analysis and Report Writing (Total Hours: 25 hours )

Monday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Quantitative Data Analysis – Data cleaning, management, and analysis using tools (Excel, SPSS).
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Qualitative Data Analysis – Thematic coding and categorization.

Tuesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Report Structure and Formatting – Organizing findings into a report structure.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Data Visualization Techniques – Creating charts, graphs, and tables for clear presentation.

Wednesday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Storytelling and Communication – Tailoring findings for stakeholder communication.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Practical Exercise – Writing a draft M&E report based on field data.

Thursday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Report Finalization – Refining the report with actionable recommendations.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Peer Review – Peer feedback and refining final draft of M&E report.

Friday

  • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Report Presentation – Presenting findings and final report to peers and stakeholders.
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Wrap-Up and Reflections – Concluding course, discussing lessons learned, and course evaluation.

This schedule ensures participants have thorough, hands-on experience in each M&E phase, from theoretical foundations to practical fieldwork and data reporting, culminating in a comprehensive final presentation.

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Understand results-based M&E concepts and design robust M&E frameworks.
  • Develop and implement data collection tools tailored to project needs.
  • Apply ethical and best practice guidelines in field data collection.
  • Conduct data analysis and interpret findings to inform decision-making.
  • Write and present comprehensive M&E reports with actionable recommendations.

Assessment and Certification

  • Assessment: Practical exercises, group assignments, and final report presentation.
  • Certification: Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion, provided by the Tanzania Institute of Monitoring and Evaluation (TIME).

This four-week course equips participants with a full cycle of M&E skills, from theoretical foundations to practical field experience, ensuring they are prepared to lead and implement effective M&E systems in real-world projects.