Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Practice for Adaptive Project Management: The Case of the Ethiopian People In Need - The Girls Education Project in Ethiopia.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2020-06
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In this decade there is a notable recognition to the complexity of development and humanitarian
project contexts. This identification has initiated major funding institution to promote adaptive
management of project and programmes. The shift from the traditional approach of project
management has also called the monitoring evaluation and learning (MEL ) practice to be fit for
adaptive approach. But evidences in this regard show, the shift from current accountability and
compliance focused system to learning and reflection focused MEL has remained a major gap. Even
though there is no need for design of new tools and methods , adopting MEL tools to fit for a
particular adaptive project is an eminent challenge. There is also a literature gap in documenting
practical aspects of what has worked/what not , particularly in the context of our country and
education projects. Hence, this project work has endeavoured to document lessons on MEL practices
of an adaptively manged education project implemented in Ethiopia, by iNGO called People in Need.
Gathering primary data from in depth interview and secondary data from desk review of relevant
documents ,the current MEL system of the project had been assessed. The evidence thereof revealed :
evolutionary planning with technical and strategic adaption plans, and mechanism that foster learning
for adaptation were found to be in place; though setting clear milestones to trigger adaptions is lacking
in the MEL plans. Robust monitoring tool such as :attendance tracking and project activity tracking
mechanisms, with clear responsibility structures, were also found designed to foster adaptive MEL;
but their timely application and the missed focus on tracking learning for adaption has been noted as
the key gap. Many learning platforms are also fund to be in place but they need to be again geared
towards fostering adaptions. Staff and organization capacity were also found as major vacuum that
needs to be tackled for the organization to practice adaptive rigor. Further studies , with wide
perspective , that attest the practice of MEL4AM in other organizations and project has been with has
been recommended to make the lesson drawn herewith more concrete. As the project management in
development organizations is expected to make major shit in adaptive management, policy makers are
also recommended to take proactive training plans to produce the skills and competence required for
managing adaptive projects in general and MEL in particular.
Description
Keywords
Adaptive management, adaptive management for monitoring evaluation and learning, complexity in development