Monitoring and Evaluating International Development Project PG (8769.5)

This unit will introduce the processes and techniques used in the management and monitoring of international development projects employed by the sector. The unit will explore M&E tools being essential to project cycle including: Performance indicators; The logical framework approach; Theory-based evaluation; Formal surveys; Rapid appraisal methods; Participatory methods; Public expenditure tracking surveys; Impact evaluation; Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis. This unit provides an overview of the key stages involved in the management and monitoring of international development projects; from planning and design to implementation; the Gannt chart for planning timelines; resource planning, for donor as well as commercial/ contracting and not-for-profit organisations. It will introduce case studies to understand preparation of Manuals, risk management, resource management, cross-cultural techniques, monitoring and evaluating reporting procedures, and project sustainability issues.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the project management cycle, focusing on monitoring and evaluating;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of various M&E approaches as well as familiarity with the critiques;
3. Demonstrate an understanding of various monitoring and evaluating tools including: Performance indicators; The logical framework approach; Theory-based evaluation; Formal surveys; Rapid appraisal methods; Participatory methods; Public expenditure tracking surveys; Impact evaluation; Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis;
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the significance of participatory techniques in project management and monitoring;
5. Understand and apply competing theoretical perspectives and debates on project management and monitoring as well as to policy and practice; and
6. Demonstrate the skills required to articulate and present critique appropriate for studies at graduate level.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

Familiarity with basic concepts in International Development.