This document provides a step-by-step guide for reviewing and revising an M&E system for a value chain project. The four main steps are: 1) implement the M&E system, 2) monitor system implementation, 3) conduct formal review workshops, and 4) adjust the M&E system. Key aspects that are monitored include data feedback loops, management and quality. The goal of reviews is to allow for flexibility and willingness to adapt the system. Common pitfalls to avoid are implementing baselines too early, not monitoring the M&E system itself, and not updating the system and indicators over time.

1. VALUE CHAIN MONITORING
AND EVALUATION GUIDE
MODULE
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Reviewing and Revising your
M&E System

2. GETTING
STARTED
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May 22, 2012

3. MATERIALS / INPUTS
RECOMMENDED
Causal model
Data gathered through the
M&E system in multiple
formats for multiple clients
All analysis conducted on
the project data at the time
of review
As many staff as possible
engaged in implementing or
using the M&E system
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4. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
• Implement the M&E system
1
• Monitor system implementation
2
• Conduct Formal Review
3 Workshops
• Adjust the M&E system
4
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5. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
STEP 1
System has been designed, staff
has been trained – it is now time for
all of the planning and preparation
to turn into implementation!!!
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6. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
• Implement the M&E system
1
• Monitor system
2 implementation
• Conduct Formal Review
3 Workshops
• Adjust the M&E system
4
5
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7. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
STEP 2
3 Forms of M&E System
Monitoring
•Ongoing formal monitoring
•Ongoing informal monitoring
•External assessment
•i.e. Data Quality Assessment (DQA)
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8. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
• Implement the M&E system
1
• Monitor system implementation
2
• Conduct Formal Review
3 Workshops
• Adjust the M&E system
4
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May 22, 2012

9. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
STEP 3
Conduct periodic, formal reviews on the following
themes
Data Data
Feedback Management
Loops and and Quality
Information Control
Flows
Data
Collectio
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n Tools
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10. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
• Implement the M&E system
1
• Monitor system implementation
2
• Conduct Formal Review
3 Workshops
• Adjust the M&E system
4
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May 22, 2012

11. STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE:
STEP 4
Flexibility and willingness to adapt is a key
dimension of successful M&E teams working on
value chain projects.
Once revisions are completed, teams will return to
monitoring progress and planning for the next
review workshop.
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12. COMMON
PITFALLS
•Projects implement the baseline too early before
the activities, locations, target group, and work plan
have been finalized.
•Projects do not monitor the operation of the M&E
system itself.
•Project management does not pay sufficient
attention to M&E operations and results, thereby
diminishing its perceived importance to the rest of
the project staff.
•Projects do not update the M&E system (including
key performance indicators and targets) once it has
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launched.
May 22, 2012

13. QUESTIONS
?
COMMENTS
?
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May 22, 2012

14. Want to Learn More?
Multiple ways to continue the discussion
and continue learning:
• Initiate a monthly session on the M&E guide and
case studies from across CARE. Contact
cpennotti@care.org
• Join the Market Engagement Community of
Practice on LinkedIn.
• Join a task force to review and refine the universal
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indicators. Contact nardi@careinternational.org
May 22, 2012