Monitoring is the process of collecting of relevant information and data to be used for making decision during project implementation. The information gained from monitoring is also key in conducting mid-term and end term evaluation. Monitoring and evaluation is key determining whether implementation of a project is taking place according to plan and use the information to improve the project quality (Gudda, 2011).
The following are reasons why M&E is important in project management:
a) Monitoring and Evaluation can improve management;
b) Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) helps to systematically track inputs and outputs of a given project;
c) To demonstrate that specific interventions have heard the intended impact or measurable outcomes;
d) M&E is a reliable source of information on project progress;
e) M&E promotes learning from each other through diverse skills and knowledge;
f) M&E reports promote accountability and transparency;
g) M&E reveals mistakes as soon as possible and hence they can be rectified before everything goes wrong;
h) M&E contributes to retention and building of institutional memory;
i) M&E can be used to influence policy and raise funds for new projects;
References
UN Women: https://bit.ly/2PAGye4
Why Monitoring and Evaluation is Important: https://bit.ly/2M8x1Jh
Gudda, P. (2011). A guide to monitoring & evaluation. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse.
