The Core Components of an M and E System

Core Elements of an M and E System

• Experience at Bank has led to identification of the basic elements of an M and E system –

• Systems approach– System is a group of interconnected and

interrelated components to form a whole (Senge, 1990)

– An M&E system can usefully be seen as made up of three groups of specific components

12 Core Components of Functional M&E Systems

• Why components?

• System is a group of interconnected and interrelated components to form a whole (Senge, 1990)

• Why 12 components?– Although developed for HIV M&E systems, the principles are

applicable for all sectors– Therefore, for M&E system, need components• Why 12 components?– Developed from operational experience

12 Components of Functional M&E Systems

• 12 components can be grouped into 3 types:– Enabling Environment

• People, partnerships and planning – Data and Information

• Data collection, capturing and verification– Use in Decision Making

• Design should rest fundamentally on understanding who is making what choices and when

• Goal is to promote use of FEEDBACK in decisions, not simply reporting up and out

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12 Components Detailed Explanations

People, partnerships and planning• Create enabling environment for M&E• What is it about?– People (component 1) – who are skilled (component 2) – working together (component 3) – to plan (component 4) – operationalise and cost (component 5), and– motivate for an M&E system to become and

remain fully functional (component 6)

12 Components Detailed Explanations

Collect, capture and verify data

• The M&E plan defines which data need to be captured to monitor and evaluate the national response

• The components in this ring help to collect, capture and verify all the types of data that are needed as part of a national M&E system

Using Information (Feedback) to Improve Results

• To be successful, monitoring information must be used! • Who will be responsible for collating, preparing reports

(subject for communication sessions)

• Consider timing, possible users– Will indicators be available at the time of budget

preparation or performance reviews? – Who are the key decision makers? – How will the data be presented?

Some Questions for Discussion

• What elements of an M and E System does the now have in place?

• Who are key partners in developing an M and E System at the national level?

• What forms of ‘feedback on results’ are now in place?

• How is data used in decision making in your Ministry?