Monitoring and Evaluation in Development

Subject DEVT90035 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial per week, plus a period of fieldwork during weeks 11 and 12 of the semester.
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours each week.
Prerequisites: Admission to a Masters course in Development Studies.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained in an undergraduate degree with at least a minor in development studies or a related field.
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview:

The indispensability of effective monitoring and evaluation (M & E) as a tool in NGO projects and program management is unquestionably recognized within the development sector. Efficient monitoring and evaluation acts as an anchor to keep the project moving in the right direction in terms of time allocated and finances planned at the project planning phase. Historically, M & E was a tool to make the NGOs/development organizations accountable to the donors. Traditionally, monitoring and evaluation was conducted by foreign experts and consultants, who did not have a good idea of the foreign countries in which they were supposed to monitor and evaluate NGO programs and projects. This resulted in difficulty getting the right kind of information for effective M & E. The shortcomings of conventional approach to monitoring and evaluation led to the realization of participatory monitoring and evaluation. In contrast to foreign consultants doing monitoring and evaluations, participatory M & E is conducted by the local people, project staff, managers, and other stakeholders. It is now recognized as a tool of empowerment and capacity building of local communities.

Objectives:

This subject aims to offer competing theories and models of project monitoring and evaluation and the historical backdrop in which such models and theories were evolved. The other objective of the subject is to impart practical skills to students so that they may develop the technical proficiency to do project/program monitoring and evaluation. In the later part of the semester, the subject will also include techniques of impact assessment of NGOs projects. The emphasis will be on impact on NGOs development projects rather than on assessing the social impact of policies or mega public sector development plans. Practical fieldwork will be an essential part of the subject. In practical work, the students will be required to do M & E of community based projects or a project by a local NGO. On completion, the students will learn practical skills required to do project and program monitoring and evaluation and will gain expert theoretical knowledge about M &amp. E within the development context. It is expected that the students will be able to provide their expert services regarding project and program management to non governmental organizations, as employees and as development consultants.

Assessment: One 2,000 word essay (due mid semester) 40% and a report 3,000 words (due at the end of semester) 60%.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be provided at the start of semester.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Expert understanding of the main theories of poverty.
  • Ability to do independent research.
  • Ability to write research reports and academic articles.
  • Ability to think in critically in a structured manner.
  • Ability to make written as well as oral presentations:
  • Cross-cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies(CWT)

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