Global Certified Project Management and M&E concepts

07/11/2025

What is a theory of change??

The theory of change describes,
The logical flow between a key problem and it's immediate and root causes.
The long -term change it seeks to bring about in response to this key problem.
What needs to happen in order for change to come about.

Why do we need a theory of change?

The Theory of change can be helpful in two related ways.

1. As a tool, it can give practitioners the freedom to open up the black box of assumptions about change that are too often sideline.
2. There is often much practitioners do not know about the context they work in , theories of change forced them to make these knowledge gaps clear and revisit them over time.

It helps us.

Articulate and justify the project's logic
Support project teams
Facilitate learning
Facilitate communication

03/10/2025

03/10/2025

Learn Excel Functions and Formulas for Data analysis and M&E functions

02/10/2025

Logical Frameworks, Information Management Systems and ActivityInfo
What is a Logical Framework (LogFrame)?
The Logical Framework (LogFrame), a central part of a humanitarian or a development program, is the tool that allows several actors within a program to collaborate based on a common reference. Project Managers, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers and Donors use the LogFrame as a common reference for the progress of the program.

A LogFrame covers:

the overall goal of the project; the summary of what the project aims to achieve
the more specific objectives; the purpose of the project
the expected results; the output of the project
the actual activities
the indicators needed for each level of analysis
the means of verification for each indicator
the assumptions/external conditions needed for each level to be fulfilled
By looking at the vertical axis of a Logical Framework, one should be able to understand the cause and effect relationships of:

the activities to the results
the results to the specific objectives
the specific objectives to the overall goal
At the same time, by looking at the horizontal axis of the LogFrame, one should be able to have a clear view of:

the indicators that need to be tracked for each level of analysis
the means through which the indicators can be validated
the external conditions that must be present in order for the overall goal to be achieved
The Logical Framework
The Logical Framework
The LogFrame is a very useful framework to work with as long as:

It has been designed based on a Problem Analysis that has highlighted the needs for intervention and has based the overall goal and the specific objective(s) on these.
There has been careful planning and clear explanation for each level of analysis.
The indicators set are Objectively Verifiable and SMART.
In addition, having many indicators for each Specific Objective is not advisable as this can make the Monitoring and Evaluation process at a later stage harder. Also it is important to remember that although the Indicators are defined during the programming stage, they can and most of the times should be altered during the implementation phase as during this phase it becomes clearer what works and what doesn't.

Last but not least, high level indicators should be as carefully defined as low level indicators taking into consideration the relevance, accessibility and reliability of the external sources of information that will be used.

All in all, the LogFrame is a very flexible tool. In order for it to be efficient and reflect the real progress of the program, it has to be iterative and based on real-time numbers.

What is an Information Management System?
The Information Management System is the system where all the information related to the LogFrame takes form. It is the system that allows you to operationalize the plan with which the LogFrame numbers will be gathered, monitored, evaluated and reported. Although it is separate from the LogFrame, it is what supports the LogFrame.

More specifically, an Information Management System may begin with your Monitoring and Evaluation Plan or with your Measurement Plan. It includes every action or plan with which you define how, when (or how often), where and by whom:

data will be collected
data will be stored
data will be protected
data will be reviewed and cleaned
data will be analysed
data will be reported/visualized
Ultimately, following this process, the data will produce the numbers needed for the LogFrame.

Where does ActivityInfo fit into this?
ActivityInfo is a software for building an Information System and can be used by Programme Managers, Monitoring and Evaluation officers, Information Management Officers or anybody else responsible either for the LogFrame Goal or for the lower level indicators.

It is not a platform to help you design or write a LogFrame but it has been created to support the LogFrame and help you operationalise it.

It can also be an alternative - quicker and more cost-effective - solution comparing to building your own information system or hiring someone to build a system for you.

More specifically, ActivityInfo allows you to:

Define and execute data collection
Store collected data safely
Analyse your data and compute indicators
Share continuous reports
Building an Information Management System
Building an Information Management System
By using the software to collect and store data you can have an overview of the data collected in real-time and take informed decisions on any needed changes for your LogFrame.

Also you can take a better look at the details of specific cases and analyse the data needed to get to the higher level indicators you need.

Finally, you can have confidence in the data you report to other partners or to donors since your reports are based on what has been collected in a centralized system under your control.

02/10/2025

Logical Frameworks, Information Management Systems and ActivityInfo

What is a Logical Framework (LogFrame)?
The Logical Framework (LogFrame), a central part of a humanitarian or a development program, is the tool that allows several actors within a program to collaborate based on a common reference. Project Managers, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers and Donors use the LogFrame as a common reference for the progress of the program.

A LogFrame covers:

the overall goal of the project; the summary of what the project aims to achieve
the more specific objectives; the purpose of the project
the expected results; the output of the project
the actual activities
the indicators needed for each level of analysis
the means of verification for each indicator
the assumptions/external conditions needed for each level to be fulfilled
By looking at the vertical axis of a Logical Framework, one should be able to understand the cause and effect relationships of:

the activities to the results
the results to the specific objectives
the specific objectives to the overall goal
At the same time, by looking at the horizontal axis of the LogFrame, one should be able to have a clear view of:

the indicators that need to be tracked for each level of analysis
the means through which the indicators can be validated
the external conditions that must be present in order for the overall goal to be achieved
The Logical Framework
The Logical Framework
The LogFrame is a very useful framework to work with as long as:

It has been designed based on a Problem Analysis that has highlighted the needs for intervention and has based the overall goal and the specific objective(s) on these.
There has been careful planning and clear explanation for each level of analysis.
The indicators set are Objectively Verifiable and SMART.

In addition, having many indicators for each Specific Objective is not advisable as this can make the Monitoring and Evaluation process at a later stage harder. Also it is important to remember that although the Indicators are defined during the programming stage, they can and most of the times should be altered during the implementation phase as during this phase it becomes clearer what works and what doesn't.

Last but not least, high level indicators should be as carefully defined as low level indicators taking into consideration the relevance, accessibility and reliability of the external sources of information that will be used.

All in all, the LogFrame is a very flexible tool. In order for it to be efficient and reflect the real progress of the program, it has to be iterative and based on real-time numbers.

What is an Information Management System?
The Information Management System is the system where all the information related to the LogFrame takes form. It is the system that allows you to operationalize the plan with which the LogFrame numbers will be gathered, monitored, evaluated and reported. Although it is separate from the LogFrame, it is what supports the LogFrame.

More specifically, an Information Management System may begin with your Monitoring and Evaluation Plan or with your Measurement Plan. It includes every action or plan with which you define how, when (or how often), where and by whom:

data will be collected
data will be stored
data will be protected
data will be reviewed and cleaned
data will be analysed
data will be reported/visualized
Ultimately, following this process, the data will produce the numbers needed for the LogFrame.

Where does ActivityInfo fit into this?
ActivityInfo is a software for building an Information System and can be used by Programme Managers, Monitoring and Evaluation officers, Information Management Officers or anybody else responsible either for the LogFrame Goal or for the lower level indicators.

It is not a platform to help you design or write a LogFrame but it has been created to support the LogFrame and help you operationalise it.

It can also be an alternative - quicker and more cost-effective - solution comparing to building your own information system or hiring someone to build a system for you.

More specifically, ActivityInfo allows you to:

Define and execute data collection
Store collected data safely
Analyse your data and compute indicators
Share continuous reports
Building an Information Management System
Building an Information Management System
By using the software to collect and store data you can have an overview of the data collected in real-time and take informed decisions on any needed changes for your LogFrame.

Also you can take a better look at the details of specific cases and analyse the data needed to get to the higher level indicators you need.

Finally, you can have confidence in the data you report to other partners or to donors since your reports are based on what has been collected in a centralized system under your control.

21/01/2025

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems

M&E Systems are essential components in project and program management, providing a framework to assess the progress, effectiveness, and impact of various initiatives. Here is a succinct overview of these systems:

1. Definition and Purpose: -

Monitoring and Evaluation systems are designed to track the implementation and results of projects and programs. They help ensure that activities are carried out as planned and that objectives are being met. The primary aim is to improve performance and achieve results.

2. Components of M&E Systems: -

Monitoring: This involves the continuous assessment of project implementation in relation to agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Monitoring focuses on tracking inputs, activities, outputs, and immediate outcomes. -

Evaluation: This is the systematic assessment of a project's design, implementation, and results. It involves measuring the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of interventions.

3. Significance: -

M&E systems provide critical information for decision-making, helping managers and stakeholders understand the progress and effectiveness of their interventions. They identify successes and pinpoint areas needing improvement, ensuring accountability and transparency.

4. Key Processes: -

Setting Objectives and Indicators:

Clearly defined objectives and measurable indicators are essential for effective monitoring and evaluation. These should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). -

Data Collection and Analysis:
Gathering quantitative and qualitative data is crucial for monitoring performance and evaluating outcomes. This involves various tools and methodologies, such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups. -

Reporting and Feedback: Regular reporting ensures that stakeholders are informed about progress and challenges. Feedback mechanisms allow for adjustments to be made in real-time.

5. Challenges: - Implementing effective M&E systems can be challenging due to factors such as inadequate resources, lack of capacity, data quality issues, and resistance from stakeholders.

6. Best Practices: -

To optimize M&E systems, it is important to integrate them into the project lifecycle from the beginning, ensure stakeholder involvement, use technology for data management, and foster a culture of learning and improvement.

In summary, Monitoring and Evaluation systems are vital for assessing the success and impact of projects and programs, guiding decision-making, and enhancing accountability and learning

15/01/2025

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of funded projects are essential processes that ensure projects are implemented effectively, meet their objectives, and provide accountability to stakeholders, including donors and beneficiaries. These processes involve systematically collecting and analyzing data to assess project performance and outcomes.

Monitoring is the ongoing process of tracking project activities and progress against the planned objectives and timelines. It involves the regular collection of data on specified indicators to ensure that the project is on track and to identify any issues or deviations that may arise.

Effective monitoring provides timely information that can be used to make informed decisions and adjustments to project implementation. It focuses on activities, outputs, and short-term outcomes, allowing project managers to ensure resources are used efficiently.

Evaluation, on the other hand, is a periodic assessment of the project's overall effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. It is typically conducted at specific points during the project lifecycle, such as mid-term and upon completion.

Evaluations aim to determine the relevance of the project objectives, the achievement of outcomes, the efficiency of resource use, and the project's contribution to long-term goals.

This process often involves a more in-depth analysis than monitoring and can include qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the project's successes and challenges.

Key components of successful M&E systems include:

1. Clear Objectives and Indicators:
Defining precise project goals and measurable indicators to track progress.

2. Data Collection and Analysis:
Establishing robust methods for collecting, managing, and analyzing data to provide accurate insights into project performance.

3. Regular Reporting: Creating structured reports that communicate findings to stakeholders, highlighting achievements and areas needing improvement.

4. Feedback Mechanisms:
Incorporating feedback loops that allow for continuous improvement of project strategies and implementation practices.

5. Capacity Building:
Ensuring that project staff have the necessary skills and resources to carry out M&E activities effectively.

The insights gained through monitoring and evaluation are critical for demonstrating accountability to funders, enhancing learning within organizations, and informing future project design and implementation.

By systematically assessing the effectiveness and impact of funded projects, organizations can optimize their interventions and better serve their target populations.

15/01/2025

10 Rules to win at your Job

23/12/2024

11/12/2024

The leaders we remember

08/09/2024

M&E Results Based Management