The document defines key terms used in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development projects. It defines indicators, goals, objectives, inputs, outputs, outcomes, targets, impacts, results, activities, assumptions, effectiveness, efficiency, quantitative and qualitative data, validity, reliability, sustainability, reporting, feedback, and logical frameworks. It notes that indicators measure change, goals are long-term intents, objectives are specific accomplishments, and inputs and activities produce outputs and outcomes to achieve impacts and results.

1. Operational definition of M&E
terms
Unit 2
Definition of key terms
 An Indicator – A measurable qualitative or
quantitative factor or variable that can be used to
describe a situation that exists and to measure changes
or trends over a period of time. It measures change in a
phenomena or process
 It is a sign showing the progress of a situation
 It is a basis of measuring progress towards objectives

2. Definition of key terms cont.
 Goal- a statement of longer-term intent; The long
term objective, change of state or improved situation
to which a development intervention is intended to
contribute
 Objective- A specific statement detailing the overall
desired accomplishments of a project within a given
period of time. A good objective should be impact
oriented, measurable, time limited, specific and
practical

3. Definition of key terms cont.
 Input- The financial, human and material resources
necessary to produce the intended outputs of a project
 Output- The tangible(easily measurable, practical),
immediate and intended results to be produced
through sound management of the agreed inputs.
Examples include goods, services, infrastructure
 Outcome- The results achieved at the level of
“purpose” in the objective hierarchy

4. Operational definition of M&E
terms cont.
 Target- is a specification of the quantity, quality,
timing and location to be realized for a key indicator
by a given date. Starting from a baseline level for an
indicator the desired improvement is defined taking
into account planned resource provision and activities
to arrive at a performance target from that indicator

5. Types of Indicators
 Input indicators
 Process indicators
 Output indicators
 Outcome indicators
 Impact indicators

6. Definition of key terms cont.
 Impact- The overall effect of accomplishing specific
results. Impact is the longer-term or ultimate effect
attributable to the programme or project
 Result- The measurable output, outcome or
impact(negative or positive, intended or unintended)
 Activity- The action taken or work performed in a
project using inputs such as funds to produce specific
outputs

7. Definition of key terms cont.
 Assumptions – External factors that could affect the
progress or success of a project. They are necessary to
achieve project objectives but are largely beyond the
control of the project/ program
 Effectiveness- The extent to which a project or
programme attains its objectives, expected
accomplishments and delivers planned outputs

8. Definition of key terms cont.
 Efficiency – A measure of how well inputs (funds,
expertise, time etc) are converted into outputs
 Quantitative – Something measured or measurable that is
concerned with quantity and measured in numbers
 Qualitative- Something that is not summarized in
numerical form. It normally describes people’s knowledge,
attitudes, or behaviour

9. Definition of key terms cont.
 Validity- the extent to which the data collection
strategies and instruments measure what they purport
to measure
 Reliability- consistency or dependability of data and
evaluation judgments with reference to the quality of
instruments, procedures and analysis used to collect
and interpret evaluation data

10. Definition of key terms cont.
 Sustainability- the probability of continued of long term
benefits from development intervention after major
development assistance has been achieved
 Reporting- the systematic and timely provision of essential
information at periodic intervals. It is integral part of monitoring
and evaluation
 Feedback- a process within the framework of M&E by which
information and knowledge are disseminated and used to assess
overall progress towards results or confirm the achievement of
results

11. Definition of key terms cont.
Logical framework
 Management tool(also known as a log frame) used to
identify strategic elements of a programme or
project(objective, expected accomplishments, indicators of
achievement, outputs and inputs) and their casual
relationships, indicators and the assumptions or risks that
may influence success and failure
 It facilitates planning, monitoring and evaluation of a
development intervention in a programme or project

12. Definition of key terms cont.
Results based M&E
 This is a modern approach that moves beyond the
traditional inputs-outputs focused M&E
 Focuses on analyzing outcomes and impact
 Enables increased accountability, transparency and
results from governments and organizations

13. Class Discussion
 How is reporting and feedback carried out in your
organization