An Assessment of Project Monitoring and Evaluation Practices: The Case of International NGOs
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Date
2024-06-04
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A.A.U
Abstract
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is a systematic process used to track and assess the progress,
performance, and outcomes of projects, programs, or initiatives. This method involves the
continuous collection, analysis, and interpretation of data to ensure that objectives are being met
efficiently and to provide insights for informed decision-making. Monitoring & Evaluation
(M&E) play a pivotal role in the success of development projects, allowing project managers to
track progress, identify challenges, and make informed decisions. This study focuses on
assessing the project monitoring and evaluation practice in five international NGOs (Action
Against Hunger (ACF), Population Service International (PSI), Zionist Organization of America
(ZOA), Jhpiego (Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and
Obstetrics), and Fintrac (Feed the Future Value Chain Activity) operating in Ethiopia. By
assessing the monitoring and evaluating practices and project performance, the research aims to
contribute to a better understanding of achieving optimal project results. The study employed a
census sampling method to collect primary data through questionnaires and interviews.
Participants included program managers, program staff, finance managers, finance staff, M&E
managers, and directors who worked more than a year in the organization. Out of the 70
distributed questionnaires, 67 were properly filled in and returned. The collected data was
analyzed using SPSS, and the results were presented using tables. Findings revealed that the
international NGOs involved relevant stakeholders, including beneficiaries, government, donors,
and the community, in their M&E activities. However, the gap in practicing & implementing
effective M&E systems were identified, such as limited resources in terms of funding, staff, and
technical expertise. In conclusion, while the international NGOs have well-established M&E
systems, improvements are needed in certain areas. Recommendations include clarifying the
extent and objective of the of the M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) system, providing adequate
time and training for project staff, enhancing technical capacity in M&E tools, allocating
sufficient budget to the M&E department, involving all stakeholders in M&E practices, ensuring
the engagement of top management, and utilizing M&E evaluation reports to monitor project
progress.