The document discusses planning and implementing an M&E (monitoring and evaluation) MIS (management information system) for projects. It notes that historically monitoring has taken a backseat to evaluation, but adaptive management and agile programming now demand iterative data collection. An M&E MIS can provide timely data for decision-makers if planned properly from the start with clear objectives, management responsibilities, and evaluation targets. Key steps include assessing existing systems, developing functional specifications, and managing organizational change. The tool's success depends on how problems are defined, how the system is used, and whether data collection and review processes are in place.

1. What to expect when you’re expecting…
M&E SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION
February, 2017@Klein711

2. The Problem
Planning
Objectives were multiple and not clearly related to project activities. There was no clear
picture of what the project would look like if it were successful. Thus, evaluators could not
compare — in an objective manner — what was planned with what actually happened.
Management Responsibility Was Unclear
Project managers were committed to the fact that projects must be justified in terms of their
ultimate late benefits (“impact”) yet were reluctant to be considered responsible for impact;
there were too many important factors outside their control. They found it difficult to articulate
what they should be responsible for, and ended up not accepting any responsibility for results.
Evaluation Was An Adversarial Process
With the absence of clear targets and frequent disagreements (even among project team
members) as to just what the project was about, evaluators ended up using their own judg-
ment as to what they thought were “good things” and “bad things.” The subsequent
evaluation results would then frequently become a basis for further argument about what was
good or bad, rather than resulting in constructive actions for project improvement.
- The Logical Framework
International Solutions Group 2

3. The Solution
“Build an information system into [your] project so that the
necessary data [can] be collected in the course of regular
project operations. Such a system can provide timely, rele-
vant information that can be used by decision-makers
throughout the course of the project.”
- The Logical Framework
International Solutions Group 3

4. We have the
technology
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5. The Times They Are A Changin'
Monitoring has often taken a back seat to
evaluation (Kusek, 2004, etc.).
Adaptive management and ‘agile’
programming demand iteration and data.
Monitoring is essential for effective
evaluation.
There’s a growing number of evaluation
methodologies incorporate monitoring
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6. Said another way…
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7. So, what does it take to get on board?
M&E MIS
International Solutions Group
Organizational
Systems
Functional
Spec.
Existing M&E
Systems
Change
Management
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8. Organizational Systems
 Can you give an example of an organization that was complex and what tangible steps they took to get ready for an implementation?
 What do organizations or projects lose by implementing an M&E MIS system?
Existing M&E Systems
 Do M&E MIS systems help promote feedback loops?
 How can an M&E MIS system account for the variation in the reporting frameworks required by donors?
Technical Specifications
 How much would it cost to implement an M&E MIS?
 How long does it take to get a small organization up and running on an M&E MIS?
Change Management
 How do I move my organization from sunk cost thinking to investing in new systems or interoperability.
 Is it better to start and M&E MIS system implementation with a simple project or in a complex situation where all the variables are exposed?
 How can a small organization approach an M&E MIS implementation without “biting off more than they can chew”
 How can I convince non-M&E people that investing into an M&E MIS is a good idea?
Other
 What tools and/or guidance is out there to help organizations approach an M&E MIS implementation in a smart and efficient manner?
 Why is strategic thinking of limited or ineffective in our industry? Do M&E MIS systems help address this problem?
International Solutions Group 8
FAQ: Lightning Round!

9. Two Key Points:
1
Define what a "successful"
implementation looks like. What
problems does it actually solve? How is
it used? Both dream success and
realistic success.
2
The tool is only as good as the data it con-
tains, the people using it, and the processes
in place around it. It's not a silver bullet or a
magic bean. Focusing on attainable goals
and realistic problems to solve with it (and
then doing the work to make that hap-
pen) are the clear way toward a successful
implementation. Sometimes all you might
need to solve your problems is Excel; some-
times your problems actually aren't solvable
with software at all; etc.
Takeaways
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10. Things to watch out for
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11. Things to watch out for
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12. Things to watch out for
USAID
2017
For the first time in
history, we have the tools,
technologies and
approaches to end extreme
poverty.
Jeffery Sachs
2005
For the first time in history, …
scientific and technological
process… has placed the world
within reach of eliminating extreme
poverty altogether.
John F Kennedy
1961
For the first time in history,
humanity possesses the knowledge
and the skill to relieve the suffering
of [those living in conditions
approaching misery].
Robert Owen
1857
Through the process of physical and mental
science... all the.. means in superabundance
to well-feed, clothe, lodge, train, educate,
amuse and govern the human race in
perpetual progressive prosperity – without
war... these results may now, for the first
time in history of the world, be
accomplished”.
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13. Questions?
Twitter:
@Klein711
Email:
mklein@theisg.com
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