PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION (PME)

Course Overview:
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) are critical components of successful project management. This five day course provides an in-depth understanding of M&E principles, methodologies, and tools. Participants will learn how to design, implement, and manage robust M&E systems that support data-driven decisionmaking and ensure project accountability.
Through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, this course equips participants with the skills to monitor project performance, evaluate outcomes, and communicate findings effectively. Designed for project management staff, M&E officers, and students, the course emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring participants are prepared to meet the demands of diverse M&E roles.

Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will:

• . Understand the fundamental concepts, frameworks, and importance of M&E in project
  management.
• Develop the ability to design and implement M&E systems tailored to specific project needs.
• Gain skills in data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Learn how to conduct evaluations to assess project impacts and improve performance.
• Explore advanced M&E approaches and tools for adaptive management and emerging trends.

Learning Outcomes:
Participants who complete this course will be able to:

• Differentiate between monitoring and evaluation and their roles in the project lifecycle.
• Develop comprehensive M&E frameworks, including SMART indicators, baselines, and targets.
• Design and implement effective data collection methods using appropriate tools and techniques.
• Analyze and visualize M&E data to generate meaningful insights.
• Prepare structured M&E reports and communicate findings to stakeholders.
•  Apply results-based monitoring and evaluation (RBM) and adapt M&E practices to meet the needs
  of various stakeholders and project environments.
• Use advanced tools and techniques, such as GIS and real-time data systems, for enhanced M&E
  practice

Target Audience:
Project management staff, M&E officers, and students seeking practical and theoretical M&E skills.
Duration: 5 days (30 contact hours), with daily 6-hour interactive sessions.
Course fees: UGX 680,000 (Inclusive of, training, materials, exam simulator questions, and
certificate)

Course Outline:
Day 1: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation

Morning Session: Fundamentals of M&E

•  Definitions and key differences between monitoring and evaluation.
• Importance of M&E in project management.
•  Overview of M&E frameworks: Logical Framework (Log frame) and Results
  Framework.

Afternoon Session: M&E in the Project Lifecycle

• Integrating M&E into the project lifecycle.
•  Stakeholder roles in M&E.
• Case studies: Successful M&E in real-world projects.

Day 2: Developing M&E Frameworks and Plans

Morning Session: M&E Framework Development

• Problem analysis and theory of change.
• Setting SMART indicators (input, output, outcome, impact).
•  Developing baselines and targets.

Afternoon Session: M&E Planning

• Steps to develop an M&E plan.
• Data collection methods and tools.
• Practical exercise: Drafting an M&E framework.

Day 3: Data Collection, Management, and Analysis

Morning Session: Data Collection Techniques

•  Quantitative vs. qualitative data collection.
•  Sampling techniques and survey design.
•  Ethical considerations in data collection.

Afternoon Session: Data Management and Analysis

• Tools for managing M&E data (e.g., Excel, SPSS, Kobo Toolbox).
•  Data cleaning and visualization techniques.
• Hands-on practice: Managing data using digital tools.

Day 4: Evaluation Approaches and Reporting

Morning Session: Evaluation Approaches

• Types of evaluations (formative, summative, impact).
•  Selecting appropriate evaluation designs.
• Conducting participatory evaluations.

Afternoon Session: Reporting and Communication

• Writing M&E reports: Structure and content.