MEAL (monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning) are essential to the success of every program and are a routine aspect of program management. Without a strong MEAL system, it would be impossible to monitor progress, make changes, identify unintended consequences of programs, and assess the influence the project has had on the lives of its beneficiaries. Through information sharing and the implementation of complaints or feedback channels, a MEAL system also aids in our ability to be accountable to our stakeholders and direct program implementation.

Target Participants

This MEAL training course is designed for researchers, project staff, development practitioners, managers, and decision-makers who are responsible for the project, program, or organization-level MEAL. The course aims to enhance the skills of professionals who need to research, supervise, manage, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate development projects.

Course Duration

Online     14 Days

Classroom-based    10 Days

What you will learn

By the end of this course the participants will be able to:

• Design and implement MEAL strategies, systems, and frameworks.
• Develop MEAL work products like program baselines, mid-term reviews, and end lines and promote their use in program development.
• Determine the main approaches and best practices used in MEAL.
• Collect data, ensure data quality management, and conduct data analysis.
• Understand Project reporting through MEAL.
• Use learning to improve and strengthen projects.

Course Outline

Introduction to Project Management

• Introduction to project management
• Project cycle management
• Triple constraints in project management
• MEAL in project management

Introduction to MEAL

• Definition of monitoring and evaluation
• Why monitoring and evaluation are important.
• Key principles and concepts in MEAL
• Monitoring and evaluation processes

Results-Based Management

• Introduction to a results-based management approach
• Steps in results-based management
• Application of results-based management in project design
• Understanding the results chain approach

Project Analysis

• Problem analysis
• Objectives analysis
• Strategy analysis

Project Logic Design

• Introduction to problem analysis
• Understanding the MEAL causal pathway
• Developing the project results levels: goal, outcomes, and output
• Formulating activities

Project Indicators

• Introduction to project indicator
• Indicator development
• Predefined indicators
• Linking indicators to results in programs.
• Indicator matrix
• Program indicator performance tracking

Completing the MEAL Tools

• Completing the logical framework
• Developing a theory of change
• Completing the performance measurement framework

Project Monitoring

• Introduction to programs monitoring.
• Types of monitoring
• Monitoring strategies
• Tools for monitoring and performance measurement

MEAL Reporting

• Introduction to reporting
• Key elements in progress reporting
• Reporting schedules

MEAL Plan

• Introduction to the MEAL system and MEAL Plan
• Components of the MEAL Plan
• Developing the MEAL Plan
• Implementing the MEAL plan

Baseline Studies in Results-based MEAL

• Importance of baseline studies
• Process of conducting baseline studies
• Baseline study vs. evaluation

Project Evaluations

• Introduction to project evaluation
• Types of evaluations
• Process of conducting evaluation
• Project evaluation criteria
• Developing evaluation questions
• Developing evaluation matrix
• Evaluation Reporting

Overview of Impact Evaluation

• Introduction to impact evaluation
• Project attribution for the outcome of interest
• Impact evaluation designs

Accountability in MEAL

• Introduction to accountability
• M&E and upwards accountability
• M&E and downwards accountability
• Key aspects of accountability

Learning in MEAL

• Introduction to learning
• M&E and learning
• Types of learning
• Learning mechanisms
• Learning and adaptability
• Sharing of learnings

Training Approach

The MEAL training is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals in their respective fields of practice. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group work, and case studies.

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide training needs. A training needs assessment will be done on the training participants to collect data on the existing skills, knowledge gaps, training expectations, and tailor-made needs.