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.

Table of Contents:
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