Course Summary:

The Monitoring and Evaluation of Development and Community Projects (MEPE) Short Course, offered by Magna Skills, is designed to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and skills to effectively monitor, evaluate, and assess the impact of development and community projects.

This course is suitable for professionals, project managers, NGO staff, government officials, and anyone interested in understanding and enhancing the success of development initiatives. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, tools, and techniques needed to manage and assess the progress and outcomes of projects that aim to bring positive change to communities.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the MEPE Short Course, participants will:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of monitoring and evaluation in the context of development and community projects.
2. Develop the skills required to design and implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan.
3. Learn how to select and apply appropriate data collection methods and tools for various types of projects.
4. Gain expertise in data analysis and interpretation to assess project impact and identify areas for improvement.
5. Comprehend the role of technology in modern monitoring and evaluation practices.
6. Explore the ethical considerations and best practices in the field of project monitoring and evaluation.
7. Apply the knowledge gained to real-world projects through hands-on exercises and case studies.
8. Develop a clear understanding of how monitoring and evaluation contribute to project success, sustainability, and accountability.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Monitoring and Evaluation

• Understanding the significance of M&E in development projects
• Key concepts and terminology in M&E
• The role of M&E in evidence-based decision-making

Module 2: Developing an M&E Framework

• Setting project objectives and outcomes
• Identifying key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Designing a logical framework and theory of change

Module 3: Data Collection Methods and Tools

• Quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques
• Surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observations
• Data validation and triangulation

Module 4: Data Analysis and Interpretation

• Data cleaning and organization
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Reporting and visualization of M&E results

Module 5: Technology in M&E

• The role of technology in modern M&E practices
• Introduction to data management software
• Mobile data collection and remote monitoring

Module 6: Ethics and Best Practices in M&E

• Ethical considerations in data collection
• Ensuring inclusivity and gender sensitivity
• Learning from failures and adapting M&E strategies

Module 7: Applying M&E to Real-World Projects

• Case studies and practical exercises
• Developing an M&E plan for a specific project
• Group discussions and peer review

Module 8: Project Impact and Sustainability

• Assessing the long-term impact of development projects
• Strategies for project sustainability and scalability
• Accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement

Final Assessment and Certification:

• Course participants will be required to complete a final assessment, demonstrating their understanding of the course material and their ability to apply it to a real-world project scenario. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of achievement in Monitoring and Evaluation of Development and Community Projects from Magna Skills.