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Results indicators define essential characteristics of the outcome-based objectives of the project (an outcome-based objective, also known as result, is a statement of the effect that a project has on the community). These characteristics ensure that the project’s outcome-based objectives are “S.M.A.R.T.” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound). Results indicators …

The Most Significant Change (MSC) tool is a qualitative participatory monitoring and evaluation technique. Normally when we think of project evaluation, we think in terms of measuring the achievement of indicators that are expressed through numbers and percentages. For example, it is typical to read in an evaluation that “40% …

In the identification stage, we have to define the basic lines of a project among all the parties involved, based on a joint analysis of felt needs and a commitment on the intervention strategy to be followed to meet these needs. Development projects must first and foremost address “priority felt …

In the field of international development, specific methods and approaches are used to plan a cooperation intervention. Many of them have been developed for the particular needs of donors. In this article, we briefly present the most widely used results-based approach: the logical framework approach. Where is the “logic”? The …

Professional project management is a cyclical activity. Running a project efficiently and effectively is commonly called “Project Cycle Management” or PCM. Planning, implementation and monitoring as well as reviews and evaluations are always based on the results framework described in the Logical Framework Matrix. The Project Cycle Management is the …

How does the world meet the resource needs of the present without using up all the resources? People living now have needs, but they also have a responsibility to future generations who need to survive and thrive. That’s the balance that sustainable development seeks to address. It applies to agriculture, …

Monitoring and evaluation is all about using evidence to guide practice. Data Visualization is the process of putting your data into charts and pictures which provide information about what the data is showing. Doing this well is the difference between telling a high-impact story that your audience will remember and …

Step 1: Design The first key step is to ‘Design the harvest’. What this means is that the team is effectively developing the key research questions. In outcomes harvesting, this process takes careful account of the users in the conversation and their expectations and perspectives, as well as their needs. …

Outcomes Harvesting is one of many M&E methodologies. It is a powerful method as it really allows evaluators and researchers to embed meaning in their data, which can truly tell a story which includes not only repeated points of data (indicators) which show an outcome target was achieved but allows …

Just as in development practice, engaging stakeholder is an important part of the monitoring and evaluation of development projects. Projects which seek to create change in the actions and behaviours of individuals rely on effective engagement and getting this just right can add substantial value to the learning of your …