Management Information Systems - Pathfinder International

Methods and Tools for Monitoring andEvaluation:Another "tool" is systematic, scheduledmonitoring of activities, issue areas,community involvement, and resourcemobilization or allocation. Monitoringsupports supervision and gives vital clues aboutissues requiring attention or action. Most staffare required to prepare individual, or team,work plans. These plans should indicate thefrequency and focus of monitoring . A next stepmight be development of specific schedules for monitoring. These schedules are handy: theyhelp managers know when resources are needed to support on-site monitoring (e.g. vehicles,transportation, per diem), frequency of monitoring, coverage (i.e., are there gaps in coveragebecause some facilities, locations or activities are not regularly visited?), opportunities for"team" monitoring or supervision, and deadlines for reports or feedback. Managers shouldregularly review schedules with staff to see if they are being followed and are providing usefuloversight, are unrealistic and should be revised.There are many different methods and tools (instruments) that managers can use to monitorand evaluate programs and projects.MethodsInterviews, surveysFocus group discussionObservationContent analysisPhysical checkTools (Instruments)QuestionnairesDiscussion guideChecklistsReview of records, reports,workplans, schedules,written materials, etc.7Bright Idea...❐ Prepare quartely monitor schedules (see Figure 2).❐ Consolidate staff schedules into a master schedulefor your use as a manager.