"Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a combined term for the processes set up by organizations... with the goal of improving their management of outputs, outcomes and impact."
The systematic and participatory process of assessing the impact and effectiveness of peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions, as well as the accountability mechanisms for ensuring transparency and responsiveness.
Theory of change: This describes how a program or project will achieve its intended outcomes and impact. Understanding the theory of change is essential for designing effective monitoring and evaluation systems.
Logic model: A logic model is a visual representation of the theory of change, outlining the relationship between inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes, and impact. It is a useful tool for monitoring and evaluating program performance.
Indicators: Indicators are measurable parameters that provide evidence of progress towards achieving program objectives. A good monitoring and evaluation system will have a comprehensive set of relevant indicators.
Data collection: This covers various methods for collecting data during program implementation, such as surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions. The quality and relevance of the data collected are crucial in evaluating program performance.
Data analysis: The collected data needs to be analyzed to generate insights and draw conclusions about program effectiveness. Different data analysis methods may be used, such as quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Reporting: Once data analysis is complete, the results must be communicated effectively to stakeholders such as program managers, donors, and clients. Reporting can take various forms, e.g., written reports, visualizations, or presentations.
Impact evaluation: Impact evaluation is the most complex type of evaluation, aimed at assessing the program's net effect on its intended beneficiaries. This requires advanced skills in research design, data collection, and data analysis.
Ethics: Ethical considerations play a crucial role in monitoring and evaluation, especially when vulnerable populations are involved. Ethical practices in data collection, storage, and reporting must be adhered to.
Risk management: Any program implementation carries risks and uncertainties, which can impact its success. It is essential to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively to ensure that program objectives are achieved.
Continuous improvement: Monitoring and evaluation provide opportunities for program improvement based on feedback from data analysis. A good monitoring and evaluation system should include a mechanism for continuous improvement.
Impact evaluation: Impact evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation is the systematic assessment of the enduring effects and outcomes of military interventions or policies on various stakeholders and the broader environment.
Performance evaluation: Performance evaluation in military sciences and monitoring and evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of a military operation or individual performance to determine effectiveness, efficiency, and readiness.
Process Evaluation: Process Evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to assessing the implementation and activities of a military operation or program to determine its effectiveness, efficiency, and adherence to predefined protocols and procedures.
Summative evaluation: Summative evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of military programs or interventions to determine their overall effectiveness in achieving predetermined objectives.
Formative evaluation: Formative evaluation is a systematic assessment aimed at improving the development and implementation of military strategies, operations, or programs by providing feedback and insights during the early stages.
Output evaluation: Output evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to assessing the immediate products, services, or activities delivered through military operations or programs to determine their efficiency and effectiveness.
Outcome evaluation: Outcome evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the assessment of the desired and lasting effects or impacts produced by military operations or programs.
Baseline evaluation: Baseline evaluation refers to the initial assessment of a military program or operation's current status and performance, providing a benchmark for future monitoring and evaluation activities.
Mid-term evaluation: Mid-term evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to an assessment conducted during the middle stage of a military operation or program to evaluate its progress, effectiveness, and performance against predetermined objectives and make necessary adjustments if required.
Endterm evaluation: Endterm evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation is a systematic assessment conducted at the end of a military campaign or program to determine its overall effectiveness and provide insights for future planning and improvement.
Rapid evaluation: Rapid evaluation refers to the swift and efficient assessment conducted on military operations, strategies, or programs to provide immediate feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Real-time evaluation: Real-time evaluation refers to the continuous and immediate assessment of military operations or projects, enabling timely feedback and decision-making based on real-time data and information.
Participatory evaluation: Participatory evaluation refers to a collaborative approach in military sciences and monitoring and evaluation, involving stakeholders and communities in the evaluation process to enhance transparency, accountability, and ownership.
Ex-post evaluation: Ex-post evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the assessment and analysis of military operations or programs after their completion, focusing on their outcomes, impact, and lessons learned.
Ex-ante evaluation: Ex-ante evaluation refers to the systematic assessment conducted before the implementation of a military intervention or program to predict its potential impact and inform decision-making.
Financial evaluation: Financial evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the systematic assessment and analysis of financial resources, expenditures, and cost-effectiveness of military operations, organizations, and programs.
Social Impact Evaluation: Social Impact Evaluation is the assessment of the effects and outcomes of military interventions on local populations and communities, with a focus on social well-being and human rights.
Operational evaluation: Operational evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of military operations to measure their effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance.
Scientific evaluation: Scientific evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves the systematic and objective assessment of military strategies, tactics, technologies, or interventions using rigorous scientific methods and principles.
Efficiency and effectiveness evaluation: Efficiency and effectiveness evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves assessing the extent to which military operations achieve their objectives in the most optimal and resource-efficient manner.
Qualitative evaluation: Qualitative evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the assessment of military operations or programs using non-numerical data and subjective measures.
Quantitative evaluation: Quantitative evaluation involves the use of numerical data and statistical analysis to assess and measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of military initiatives and operations.
Cost-Benefit Evaluation: Cost-Benefit Evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves assessing the net benefits and drawbacks of a military operation or intervention by comparing its costs and benefits, both tangible and intangible.
Organizational evaluation: Organizational evaluation in military sciences and monitoring and evaluation involves assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and overall performance of military units, structures, or organizations to identify areas for improvement and inform decision-making.
Stakeholder evaluation: Stakeholder evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the assessment of the impact and perception of various stakeholders involved in military operations and their influence on the effectiveness and efficiency of military strategies and decision-making processes.
Systems evaluation: Systems evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation is the process of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of military systems, including strategies, structures, and technologies, to ensure they meet operational requirements.
Developmental evaluation: Developmental evaluation is an adaptive and continuous feedback process that helps military organizations assess and adapt their programs, strategies, and interventions in real-time to achieve desired outcomes effectively and efficiently.
Context evaluation: Context evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of the environmental, social, political, and cultural factors surrounding military operations, which helps inform strategic decision-making and mission effectiveness.
Challenge evaluation: Challenge evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of training and simulation exercises aimed at simulating realistic scenarios to test the capabilities and effectiveness of military forces and their response to potential challenges.
Gender evaluation: Gender evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves assessing and analyzing the effects of military programs, policies, and practices on gender equality and the empowerment of women.
Environmental evaluation: Environmental evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation refers to the assessment and analysis of the ecological impact of military activities and operations.
Human rights impact evaluation: Human rights impact evaluation is the systematic assessment of military activities and interventions to ascertain the extent to which they uphold human rights standards and promote their protection.
Sustainability evaluation: Sustainability evaluation in the context of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves assessing the long-term effectiveness, environmental impact, and resource efficiency of military operations and strategies.
Risk assessment and evaluation: Risk assessment and evaluation in the field of Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involve the systematic analysis and determination of potential hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities in order to assess the likelihood and impact of adverse events and inform decision-making.
Process mapping and evaluation.: Process mapping and evaluation in Military Sciences and Monitoring and Evaluation involves visualizing and assessing the sequence of tasks, procedures, and actions undertaken within military operations to identify areas for improvement and enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness.
"The credibility and objectivity of monitoring and evaluation reports depend very much on the independence of the evaluators. Their expertise and independence is of major importance for the process to be successful."
"Monitoring and evaluation processes can be managed by the donors financing the assessed activities..."
"Many international organizations such as the United Nations, USAID, the World Bank group and the Organization of American States have been utilizing this process for many years."
"The process is also growing in popularity in the developing countries where the governments have created their own national M&E systems..."
"Monitoring includes the continuous assessment of programmes based on early detailed information on the progress or delay of the ongoing assessed activities."
"Evaluation involves the examination of the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of activities in the light of specified objectives."
"The credibility and objectivity of monitoring and evaluation reports depend very much on the independence of the evaluators."
"[M&E] goal [is] improving their management of outputs, outcomes, and impact."
"Monitoring and evaluation processes can be managed by... the project managers or implementing team themselves and/or by a private company."
"Monitoring includes the continuous assessment of programmes based on early detailed information on the progress or delay of the ongoing assessed activities."
"Evaluation involves the examination of the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of activities in the light of specified objectives."
"The credibility and objectivity of monitoring and evaluation reports depend very much on the independence of the evaluators."
"Many international organizations... have been utilizing this process for many years."
"The process is also growing in popularity in developing countries where the governments have created their own national M&E systems to assess the development projects, the resource management, and the government activities or administration."
"The developed countries are using this process to assess their own development and cooperation agencies."
"Monitoring includes the continuous assessment of programmes based on early detailed information on the progress or delay of the ongoing assessed activities."
"The process is also growing in popularity in developing countries where the governments have created their own national M&E systems to assess the development projects, the resource management, and the government activities or administration."
"...to assess the development projects, the resource management, and the government activities or administration."
"Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is a combined term for the processes set up by organizations...with the goal of improving their management of outputs, outcomes, and impact."