Certificate in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning

Course Overview

The key to achieving organizational goals comes from determining and understanding the real needs and wants of target markets, to optimize delivery of desired outcomes more effectively and efficiently. MERL should be a continuous process that is integrated into any business or development programme. MERL brings learning to the early stages of project implementation in a rigorous, empowering, and flexible way. It applies proven monitoring, evaluation, and analytic techniques to increase effectiveness systematically. MERL guides programs in testing key program adaptations to inform how best to achieve desired results – potentially at lower cost. This includes focusing feedback loops on specific aspects of the project, and may also include using advanced statistical methods to reduce required sample sizes and the use of tools that can support rapid data collection – cell phones and tablets for survey implementation, SMS and IVR technology for remote data collection, and geospatial imagery from satellites.

Course Modules

1. Introduction to Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning
2. Frameworks and MERL Cycle Frameworks and approaches
3. Data Collection and Management
4. Use of Data obtained from monitoring and Evaluation for decision making and Management issues 5.
5. Enhancement and use of M&E data for project management

Assignments

There are three assignments (continuous assessment tests) and one examination to be offered at the end of the course. Assignments account for 70%, while Examination accounts for 30% of the mark. Upon completion of the course, you shall be issued with a Certificate and a course transcript.

Merits

Upon successful completion of the course, the participant will receive a Certificate of Merit and a transcript.