Volume 4 of this learning kit is composed of three sessions which guide the users on (1) project implementation requirements; (2) concepts of monitoring and evaluation and developing a theory of change; and (3) developing an M&E plan/matrix and implementing an M&E system.
Volume 4 presents a comprehensive plan to implement the following three sessions:
Session 11. Project implementation requirements This session emphasizes that project implementation is a critical phase as it determines how well the planned results will be operationalized. Project implementation is considered the main phase of project management because it turns the plan into reality. This session analyzes and lists the project implementation requirements to facilitate learning among participants. It also identifies key project implementation requirements in a case study. The aim is to discuss lessons learned and describe implications to implement key requirements of project implementation in the work environment. This session invites participants to undertake practical exercises to develop project implementation related skills.
Session 12. The concepts of monitoring and evaluation. Developing a theory of change This session analyzes and discusses (1) The concept of monitoring; (2) The concept of evaluation; (3) The functions/significance of M&E in project management; and (4) The reasons why M&E tends to fail in its objectives. It emphasizes that the terms monitoring and evaluation are used in many different ways and that it is important to stress that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is part of a continuum of observation, information gathering, supervision and assessment. This session also exposes the participants to the development of a theory of change, which is a visual depiction of the pathway of change (how the project anticipates change/results will occur) and is also a more comprehensive conceptual framework than the Logical Framework. Practical exercise is undertaken on the objective trees – developed during Session 4 of Volume 1 of the learning kit.
Session 13. Developing an M&E plan/matrix and implementing an M&E system: responsibilities and processes This session uses the RAC M&E framework/matrix to introduce to the participants what a good M&E framework looks like. It provides opportunity for the participants to analyze the importance of timely, reliable and credible data/information for evidence-based decision-making at the management and service delivery level. The session also discusses monitoring and reporting responsibilities including data management, reporting systems, types of reports and reporting responsibilities. Practical exercises are part of this session 13 to enable the participants to state clear actions regarding how to improve the design of M&E systems for their projects.
While implementing Volume 4, it is recommended that the leading facilitators carry out the following actions and/or activities: 1. Pre-session. Review the previous sessions’ activities through the identified participants (see Volume 1, Pre-Workshop Plan section, item 4) to assess the progress of the workshop. At the same time, the facilitator should summarize and present the results of the participants’ feedback on the previous day to the audience. 2. This learning plan suggests time frame for all sessions of this learning kit. It aims to facilitate the implementation of activities by the learning facilitators. Remember to consider the suggestions of time frame in the plan of respective sessions. 3. The learning plan recommends including 15 minutes — during the morning and afternoon sessions — for the participants to have tea/coffee breaks, which promotes socialization and consequently a great opportunity for learning. 4. In addition, the learning plan strongly recommends that the participants undertake PAPA and Feedback exercises daily, at the end of the sessions. The total amount of 15 minutes will be enough to complete the two forms to carry out this exercise. This learning kit provides specific forms to complete PAPA and Feedback, at the end of each Volume. 5. The facilitators must be aware that if the workshop is planned to end at the conclusion of Volume 4, the PAPA and feedback exercises presented in this Volume 4 must be skipped and replaced by the workshop evaluation and PAPA — Second Phase presented in Volume 5. This change would provide the facilitators with the opportunity to assess all the sessions (which were carried out) and related aspects of the entire learning workshop.