Monitoring and evaluation: some tools, methods and approaches

Monitoring and evaluation: some tools, methods and approaches

Monitoring and evaluation: a manual

This document aims to strengthen awareness and interest in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), and to clarify what it entails. It has been prepared for government officials, development managers, and civil society.

The paper includes an overview of a sample of M&E tools, methods, and approaches, including their purpose and use; advantages and disadvantages; costs, skills, and time required; and key references. Also included are several data collection methods, analytical frameworks, and types of evaluation and review.

The areas of M&E discussed are:

  • performance indicators
  • the logical framework approach
  • theory-based evaluation
  • formal surveys
  • rapid appraisal methods
  • participatory methods
  • public expenditure tracking surveys
  • cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis
  • impact evaluation