Master of Science in Monitoring and Evaluation

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This Programme Brief summarizes the contents of the Master of Science in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) degree programme and is accordingly structured as follows. The programme rationale, aim, objectives and target group are outlined in Sub-sections 1.1 to 1.4 respectively, while the admission criteria and programme regulations are given in Section 2.0. Section 3.0 and 4.0 outline the assessment criteria and exemptions, while course codes and the programme structure are outlined in Sections 5.0 and 6.0 respectively.

1.1 RATIONALE

Monitoring is a continuous function that utilises the systematic collection of data on specified indicators to provide management and stakeholders with information on the extent of program progress and the achievement of objectives. The Master of Science in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is an academic programme which seeks to develop sound and in-depth understanding on theoretical and practical aspects of monitoring and evaluation. This programme adopts standard methods, techniques and best practices that are increasingly employed by international organizations such as the United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) and the World Bank in conducting monitoring and evaluation of development programmes in developing countries.

Such methods, techniques and practices not only expose but also equip students with sufficient knowledge, skills and attitude that are analytically and logically informed by results-based outcomes and impacts in development programmes. The underlying philosophy under this programme is underpinned by the overarching objective of producing competent experts who are proficient in carrying out monitoring and evaluation assignments in large scale development programmes. The programme is designed for students who possess a first degree in any discipline seeking to develop a career in a result-based monitoring and evaluation programs. It is also designed to enhance applied research skills for those aspiring to pursue advanced studies in monitoring and evaluation.

UNDP (2009:8) defines monitoring as the “ongoing process by which stakeholders obtain regular feedback on the progress being made towards achieving their goals and objectives”. An evaluation is “a rigorous and independent assessment of either completed or ongoing activities to determine the extent to which they are achieving stated objectives and contributing to decision making” (ibid). Both can be conducted to look at many things, including an activity, a project, a program, a strategy or even a policy. Monitoring and evaluation(M&E) systems are therefore important to provide the information that the various people concerned by a development intervention need for accountability, management and learning purposes.

In this course, students will learn about the different ways that development actors can assess their interventions and follow upon the different activities of a project or programming order to become aware of its short comings and successes and to identify the extent to which development operations are achieving the results that they seek to produce. The first part of the course will discuss the importance of monitoring and evaluation, its place within the project cycle and how different stakeholders relate to the process. It will also look at the various elements that must be considered during the project designing order to put the system in place, such as the theories of change that underpin development interventions, logical models and frameworks.

The second part of the course will look at the main components of a monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems well as different strategies and tools of data collection and their relevance to baseline studies, monitoring, end of project evaluations and impact assessments.

The third part of the course will focus on making sense of, using and communicating the information gathered through monitoring and evaluation. Considering the diversity of practices amongst development organizations, both indicator-based and outcome-oriented approaches to monitoring will be presented, but more emphasis will be given to those that are aligned with major donors’ requirements.

1.2 Aim

The aim of this course is to enable students to familiarize with Monitoring and Evaluation systems (M&E) through the assessment of results, effectiveness, improved processes, and performance within entities and the environments in which they operate.

1.2 LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the programme, students should be able to:

1. Understanding of formulating, coordination and evaluating development programmes;

2. Understanding of the state-of-the-art competencies in M&E, including key principles and practices;

3. The ability to apply a significant range of professional and business skills, practices and techniques in M&E;

4. Understanding of planning and effective M&E leadership and executive decision-making in implementing the projects;

1. Understanding of designing monitoring and evaluation systems.

1.4 Objectives

The specific objectives of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research program are to:

1. maintain credibility by producing scientifically robust analysis and evidence of the environmental impacts of MSC certification;

2. provide accountability to donors and stakeholders on the contribution of MSC certification to the sustainability of fish stocks globally;

3. promote effectiveness by facilitating evidence-based decision making and reporting on organisational achievements and performance;

4. enhance organizational efficiencies and cross-organizational learning;

5. reinforce research capacity and information transfer to the global scientific understanding of fish stocks, fisheries management best practices and seafood certification; and

6. link environmental improvement and the underlying meaning of the MSC ecolabel to broader societal benefits such as social and economic resilience of fishery and seafood operations.

1.5 Learning and teaching activities

The lectures are based on self-study, lectures, module notes, and group work and in-class exercises. The lectures are illustrated with examples of major projects and the practice experiences of international firms. The use of exercises will illustrate the challenges of managing projects and project-based organisations in real-world settings. Students are provided with module notes that are based on the book listed below. Students are expected to engage in class discussions and exercises related to the topic of each week’s session. Lectures and recommended readings expose students to the basic concepts and theories. Knowledge and understanding of these areas is deepened with small group discussion and experimentation and assessed in assignments.