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Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
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Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks

First Edition


August 2015 | 312 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
This practical book provides clear, step-by-step guidance on how to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework in a participatory, logical, systematic, and integrated way. The authors outline the key stages and steps involved, including: scoping the framework; identifying planned results; using program theory and program logic; developing evaluation questions; identifying processes for ongoing data collection and analysis; determining means to promote learning; reporting; and dissemination of results. A final chapter focuses on planning for implementation of the framework, with reference to the broader program and organizational context. The authors draw on their extensive experience in developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks to provide examples of good practice that inform organizational learning and decision making, while offering tips and guidelines that can be used to address common pitfalls.
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
Chapter 1 Introduction to Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
What Is a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework?

 
Why Invest?

 
What Functions Does a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Serve?

 
What Gap Does This Text Intend to Fill?

 
Key Features of the Approach

 
Program-Level Focus

 
What Are the Differences Between Monitoring and Evaluation?

 
What Are the Complementaries Between Monitoring and Evaluation?

 
What is Included in a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework?

 
Format and Layout of the Text

 
 
Chapter 2 Foundation Concepts
1. Multiple Purposes for Monitoring and Evaluation

 
2. Results-Based Management Approach

 
3. Theory-Based Approach

 
4. Evaluation-Led Monitoring and Evaluation

 
5. Participatory Orientation

 
 
Chapter 3 First Steps: Scoping the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Stakeholder Mapping and Evaluation Capacity Building
1. Introduction to Scoping the Framework With Key Stakeholders

 
2. Key Steps in Scoping the Framework

 
Step 1: Identify Requirements

 
Step 2: Determine Participation Arrangements

 
Step 3: Identify Possible and Preferred Approaches

 
Step 4: Review Resource Parameters

 
Step 5: Confirm Purpose and Parameters of the Framework

 
3. From First Steps Onwards

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 4 Program Theory and Program Logic as a Foundation for the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
1. Introduction to Developing Program Theory and Program Logic

 
2. Steps Involved in Developing Program Theory and Program Logic

 
Step 1: Plan Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

 
Step 2: Develop Program Theory

 
Step 3: Develop Program Logic

 
Step 4: Confirm Program Theory and Program Logic with Key Stakeholders

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 5 Evaluation Questions - Determining What We Want to Know
1. Introduction to Developing Evaluation Questions

 
2. Using Evaluation Domains to Guide Selection of Questions

 
3. Using Program Theory and Logic to Determine Evaluation Questions

 
4. Steps Involved in Developing Evaluation Questions

 
Step 1: Develop Draft Evaluation Questions

 
Step 2: Facilitate Stakeholder Participation

 
Step 3: Scope Number and Range of Questions Against Data and Resources Available

 
Step 4: Present Questions to Stakeholders for Final Endorsement

 
Step 5: Finalize Evaluation Questions

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 6 The Monitoring Plan
1. Introduction

 
2. Introduction to Program Monitoring

 
3. The Monitoring Plan

 
4. Steps in Developing Monitoring Plan

 
Step 1: Identify Focus

 
Step 2: Develop Performance Indicators and Targets

 
Step 3: Identify Data Collection Processes and Tools

 
Step 4: Determine Responsibilities and Time Frames

 
5. The Future of Program Monitoring

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 7 The Evaluation Plan
1. Introduction

 
2. Focusing on Evaluation

 
3. The Evaluation Plan

 
4. Steps Involved in Developing the Evaluation Plan

 
Step 1: Determine Overall Evaluation Approach

 
Step 2: Identify Evaluation Questions Requiring Criteria and Standards

 
Step 3: Identify Focus of Evaluation and Methods for Each Questions

 
Step 4: Determine Responsibilities and Time Frames

 
Step 5: Review the Monitoring and Evaluation Plans

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 8 Collecting, Managing, Analyzing and Synthesizing Data to Reach Evaluative Conclusions
1. Introduction to Data Processes That Support Sound Conclusions

 
2. Organizational Context for Data Collection, Management, and Analysis

 
3. Data Quality

 
4. Steps Involved in Data Collection, Management and Analysis

 
Step 1: Develop Data Collection Plan

 
Step 2: Develop Data Management Plan

 
Step 3: Consider Approach to Data Synthesis

 
Step 4: Consider Approach to Making Evaluative Judgments and Reaching Evaluative Conclusions

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESTIONS

 
 
Chapter 9 Learning, Reporting and Dissemination Strategies
1. Introduction

 
2. Steps Involved in Learning, Reporting and Dissemination

 
Step 1: Consider Developing or Refining a Learning Strategy That Maximizes Use of Conclusions, Recommendations and Lessons

 
Step 2: Consider the Identification of Recommendations and Lessons

 
Step 3: Provide Guidance on Developing a Reporting and Dissemination Strategy

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESITONS

 
 
Chapter 10 Planning for Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
1. Introduction to Planning and Implementation

 
2. Key Steps in Implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks

 
Step 1: Confirm Program Management Arrangements

 
Step 2: Work Planning for Implementation

 
Step 3: Plan for Monitoring and Review of Framework

 
SUMMARY CHECKLIST

 
CHAPTER REVIEW QUESITONS

 
 
Chapter 11 Conclusion
 
Appendix
 
References
 
Index

Supplements

Student Study Site
Visit the companion website at study.sagepub.com/dmef to download templates for monitoring and evaluation plans in Word and PDF formats for use in the field.

“The text provides an excellent resource for developing monitoring and evaluation frameworks for a wide range of organizations and programs. Students and practitioners are provided with a great resource that can help organizations better society, and maximize evaluation efficiency by integrating monitoring with evaluation.”

Daniela C. Schroeter
Western Michigan University

This book does a brilliant job of integrating program monitoring concepts into the broader field of evaluation.  It fills a glaring gap in the evaluation literature, and I highly recommend it for practicing evaluators, evaluation scholars, and evaluation faculty and students.

Stewart I. Donaldson
Claremont Graduate University, President, American Evaluation Association

At last--a step-by-step guide to realizing the potential of monitoring and evaluation by building them in from the beginning. This book provides a systematic and well-tested approach to planning and successfully implementing an integrated monitoring and evaluation framework.

Patricia Rogers
Professor of Public Sector Evaluation, RMIT University; Director, BetterEvaluation

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 2


For instructors

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