NGO support toolkit (English)  >  Monitoring and evaluation  >  Planning and design 

Developing a workplan

An M&E system usually goes beyond the log frame, to outline how often data collection tools are used, and who takes responsibility for ensuring that data is collected, analysed and filed appropriately, in a workplan. By clearly outlining the different M&E activities in the workplan, the NSP can identify the resources required for carrying out all these activities. The process of developing a workplan with the NGO/CBO should build from the logframe, by:

• Deciding what indicators can be monitored on a regular basis and the frequency of updating these indicators
• Deciding what indicators form the basis of evaluations, and what type of evaluations (whether process, outcome or impact evaluations) will need to be done and when they should be done
• Deciding how much M&E will cost (or how much can be spent)
• Identifying who should be involved in M&E and their responsibilities
• Identifying who should carry out the evaluations, whether they should be internal evaluations or external
• Considering if the NSP should be responsible for carrying out the evaluations for NGO projects
• How and when reporting of monitoring data should be done, and how this should be linked with other forms of reporting, like financial reporting

By adding the above considerations (as further columns to the log frame), the entire M&E system can be summarised in one document. Below is an example of how the logframe can be adapted by NSPs to include other issues for M&E. It can be adapted into a workplan for M&E activities and can include plans for all M&E activities, like reviews, field visits and special studies.

Issues to consider

• The M&E workplan should be closely linked to the M&E system, which defines the framework for M&E activities. If the two are not linked, then there is a danger of collecting or undertaking M&E activities that are not necessary for the programme, or leaving out important M&E activities necessary for the programme
• Develop standard operation procedures for data collection and transmission taking into account communication channels with partner NGOs/CBOs, capacities, timelines, cost and who will pay
• The M&E workplan should be consolidated with the overall programme workplan for the NGOs/CBOs
• Each NGO/CBO should develop its own workplan for M&E, and the NSP should develop its own workplan. This should incorporate all M&E activities the NSP is responsible for undertaking but with important milestones for NGOs/CBOs, like when NGOs/CBOs are supposed to submit their reports, when NGOs/CBOs are supposed to undertake evaluations.

• Send to a friend
• Printer-friendly