This document discusses the importance of results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in government. It defines results-based M&E as regularly collecting data on performance indicators to see if projects are achieving their goals. Traditional M&E focuses only on implementation, while results-based M&E demonstrates whether goals are being met. The document provides examples of a results chain from inputs to long-term goals and explains why selecting outcome indicators is important for monitoring progress toward outcomes. Results-based M&E helps improve management, focus interventions, demonstrate successes, and ensure accountability by showing that programs are producing benefits.

1. Monitoring and EvaluationMinistry of InformationBy Rishi MaharajSenior Freedom of Information Officer (M&E)

2. The Power of Measuring ResultsIf you do not measure results, you can not tell success from failureIf you can not see success, you can not reward itIf you can not reward success, you are probably rewarding failureIf you can not see success, you can not learn from itIf you can not recognize failure, you can not correct itIf you can demonstrate results, you can win public supportAdapted from Osborne & Gaebler, 1992

3. DefinitionResults-Based Monitoring(what we will call “monitoring”) is a continuous process of collecting and analyzing information to compare how well a project, program or policy is being implemented against expected results

4. A New Emphasis on Both Implementation and Results-Based Monitoring Traditional monitoring focuses on implementation monitoringThis involves tracking inputs ($$, resources, strategies), activities (what actually took place) and outputs (the products or services produced)This approach focuses on monitoring how well a project, program or policy is being implementedOften used to assess compliance with work plans and budget

5. A New Emphasis on Both Implementation and Results-Based Monitoring Results-based monitoring involves the regular collection of information on how effectively government (or any organization) is performingResults-based monitoring demonstrates whether a project, program, or policy is achieving its stated goals

6. Indicator50%40%20 %30%Year12345 Clarifies program objectivesMonitoringLink inputs and activities to results to be achieved

7. Translates results to be achieved into performance indicators

8. Periodically collect data on the indicators and compare actual results with targetRegular collection and reporting of information to track whether actual results are being achieved as plannedReports progress and alerts management to problems in implementationResults-Based MonitoringGoal(Impacts)Long-term, widespread improvement in society

9. Intermediate effects of outputs on clientsOutcomesProducts and services producedOutputsTasks personnel undertake to transform inputs to outputsActivitiesInputsFinancial, human, and material resourcesResultsImplementationBinnendijk, 2000

10. Results-Based Monitoring: Adult LiteracyHigher income levels; increase access to higher skill jobsGoal(Impacts)Increased literacy skill; more employment opportunitiesOutcomesNumber of adults completing literacy coursesOutputsActivitiesLiteracy training coursesInputsFacilities, trainers, materialsDefinitionResults-Based EvaluationAn assessment of a planned, ongoing, or completed intervention to determine its relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability. The intent is to incorporate lessons learned into the decision-making process.

11. Evaluation Addresses

12. WithprojectIndicator50%15 %40%With outproject30%Year12345Analyses why intended results were or were not achievedEvaluation Explores unintended results

13. Assesses causal contributions of activities to results and validate hypothesis

14. Examines implementation processesAnalytical efforts to answer specific questions about performance of a program activities. Oriented to answering WHY? And HOW?Provides lessons learned and recommendations for improvementAttribution GapLong-term Goal (Impact)OutcomesOutputsActivitiesInputsTraditional M&EResults-based M&EResults Building BlocsPLANING FOR RESULTSEffects or behavior changes resulting from program outputsProducts and services to be used to simulate the achievement of resultsUtilization of resources to generate products and servicesResources committed to program activitiesLong-term, widespread improvement in societyResultsImplementation

15. Examples of Results ChainLong-Term Goal (Impact)OutcomesOutputsTeachers trained

16. Text Books providedIncrease literacy ratesIncreased student completion ratesEducationIncreased use of health clinicsDoctors hired

17. Health workers trainedImproved maternal mortalityHealthIncreased population is food secure Increased % of vulnerable population using saftey net programs Increased coverage of crop-insurance programsSocial Protection and labor

18. Why an Emphasis on Outcomes?Makes explicit the intended objectives of government action (“Know where you are going before you get moving”)Outcomes are what produce benefitsThey tell you when you have been successful or not

19. Selecting Key Performance Indicators to Monitor OutcomesOutcome indictors are not the same as outcomesEach outcome needs to be translated into one or more indicatorsAn outcome indicator identifies a specific numerical measurement that indicates progress toward achieving an outcomeUrban Institute 1999

20. An Outcome IndicatorAnswers the question:“How will we know achievement when we see it?”

21. Why is Results-Based M&E Important? Improving internal management

22. Focusing interventions/reallocating inputs to achieve results. Programs focused are better able to demonstrate results over time.

23. Better reporting: Programs have effective M&E system develop results-oriented reporting

24. Marketing successes

25. Capturing lessons-learned: Showing general program progress & sharing practices and innovations.

26. Secure political & public support: “If you can demonstrate results, you can win public support“

27. Ensuring accountability

28. Preoccupation with results is a global issue : demonstrate results against money spent

29. Results are more important than processes: provide evidence that the program is producing longer term benefits. IMPORTANT TO REMEMBERWe Budget to OutputsButWe Manage to Outcomes