REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARTS SPECIAL HONOURS DEGREE IN MONITORING AND EVALUATION (AH32)

1.0.        PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME

The purpose of this programme is to equip students with a sound and in-depth understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of monitoring and evaluation. The programme provides valuable experience in the careful planning, preparation, research, analysis and writing required for high-level evaluation.

2.0. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry: Candidates must Have obtained 5 ‘O’ Level passes including English Language and Mathematics passed with at least a grade C and be in possession of a recognised Degree from a reputable university; 

A candidate must have obtained a Diploma in Development related discipline or a recognisable relevant qualification from an acceptable institution in which development and/or monitoring and evaluation issues were involved.

3.0. PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

The programme is offered on a module basis, and a dissertation is part of the fulfilment requirements for the programme. The programme is undertaken over a 1-year period under Block Release and Weekend School Programmes.

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Since M&E is a cross -sectoral career, A Special Honors in Monitoring and Evaluation graduates stand to find employment in health, education, law and governance, human rights, youth -focused programming, and agriculture, amongst other focus areas. With a qualification in monitoring and evaluation, one can work in international organisations, government agencies, consultancies and also be a resource person in social science research. One can also start their consultancy firm and in turn, employ others in the M&E field. The course will help managers across various sectors with skills and knowledge in assessing, collecting and analysing data that is used in designing development programmes/projects.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Code          Module Title                                                                        Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

 

*HME 101 General Principles in Monitoring and Evaluation                      12

*HME 102 Monitoring and Evaluation Planning                                      12

*HME 103 Data Collection Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation         12

*HME 104 Thematic Issues in Monitoring and Evaluation                       12

*HME 105 Introduction to Gender- Sensitive Monitoring and Evaluation  12

 

Level 1 Semester 2

Code         Module Title                                                                        Credits

*HME 106 Computer Packages for Data Analysis in M&E                      12

*HME 107 Impact Assessment Designs                                                  12

*HME 108 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Evaluation               12

*HME 109 Monitoring and Evaluation in Emergency Situations               12

*HME 110 Report writing in Monitoring and Evaluation                         12

*HME 111 Evaluation Report                                                                 24

 

 

14.0. MODULE SYNOPSES

HME 101 General Principles in Monitoring and Evaluation

This module will introduce students to the general principles of Monitoring and Evaluation, which will include defining monitoring and evaluation research. It will also discuss the main purposes of monitoring and evaluation. It will also examine the various types of evaluation including but not limited to formative and summative evaluations. Key monitoring and evaluation issues such as coherence, effectiveness, relevance, efficiency, impact and sustainability will be fore-grounded. Types of evaluation studies: experimental, quasi-experimental, qualitative, empowerment constructivist and realist approaches to evaluation will also be dealt with.

 

HME 102 Monitoring and Evaluation Planning

The module examines the planning requirements for an effective monitoring and evaluation system. Particular attention is given to the logical framework approach and how it is used in project planning and the setting of projects and monitoring and evaluation plans. The module also introduces students to logic models and logic modelling, including the development of programme theories. Students learn how to develop a project proposal with the correct monitoring and evaluation components including project goals, outcomes, outputs, activities and the relevant indicators of progress and means of verification. In the second part of the module, students learn about various steps in planning for an evaluation including the preparation of terms of reference, budgets, data collection and report writing.

 

HME 103 Data Collection Methods for Monitoring and Evaluation

This module examines the various types of data that a monitoring and evaluation practitioner may need to collect including the quantitative and qualitative data dichotomy. The module explores various data collection methods used in programme evaluation including but not limited to literature searches, programme document reviews, various types of observation, surveys, expert opinion, interviews, interactive beneficiary monitoring and focus group discussions. The module will also look at the remote data collection methods that enable the continuity of business despite of the context such as SMS surveys, interactive voice response surveys, and computer- assisted telephone interviews. Further, the determining factors in the selection of various data collection tools will be examined.

 

HME 104 Thematic Issues in Monitoring and Evaluation

Students will study pertinent issues in key development themes such as the definitions of development, gender issues, disability, HIV and AIDS, child rights, food security, climate change, poverty alleviation and governance, among many other developmental themes. Common indicators for progress in these thematic areas will be examined. The objective of the module is to familiarise students with key concerns in development interventions so that they are positioned to conduct effective evaluations in these various sectors. Best practices in these thematic areas will be discussed and debated.

 

HME 105 Introduction to Gender- Sensitive Monitoring and Evaluation

In this module, inter-linkages between monitoring and evaluation planning and the main elements of programme preparation and management within the context of gender will be examined. The course will also review key gender analysis frameworks in development processes in the programme life cycle focusing on needs assessments, programme design, programme theory and logic models and eventually ending with monitoring and evaluation plans. The module also introduces key concepts in the analysis of social relations between women and men in different cultural, economic and political contexts. The focus is on the implications of theory for policy and practice, and the need to theorise gender and development to create a more egalitarian society

HME 106 Computer Packages for Data Analysis in M&E

The module grounds students in key data analysis programmes used by computers including the Social Sciences Statistical Package, Microsoft Excel, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other programmes that may come into the market from time to time. A practical application is emphasised. Candidates in this module will learn how to apply computer packages in Monitoring and Evaluation data analysis. Basic statistical analysis (basic descriptive statistics/ statistical graphics/analysis of variance) will be made. Candidates will apply these methods to practical M&E requirements. Further to this, a qualitative analysis (content analysis/ thematic analysis and narrative analysis) for evaluation studies will be conducted using a qualitative data computer package.

HME 107 Impact Assessment Designs

This module focuses on impact Assessment designs as a key element of Monitoring and Evaluation. Key components of the module will include: the logic of making causal claims, the notion of causality in social interventions, quasi-experimental designs, comparison group designs and repeated measures designs and designing an impact assessment study. Various designs will be studied with particular reference to case studies.

HME 108 Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Evaluations

This module covers basic qualitative and quantitative analytical methods required by Monitoring and Evaluation practitioners. Students will understand how to conduct qualitative data coding, thematic analysis, discourse analysis and other qualitative analysis methods in practice. Students will also be introduced to basic quantitative techniques used in evaluations particularly focusing on basic descriptive and inferential statistics.

HME 109 Monitoring and Evaluation in Emergency

This module covers the essential concepts which enable students to provide reliable information to timely AID decision- making and meet accountability decisions. The module looks at the monitoring and evaluation role in the humanitarian programme cycle and looks at the 7 steps to rolling out Monitoring and evaluation systems in Emergencies. The module will also equip students with skills on how to set up and implement simple (good enough) monitoring systems that generate an appropriate amount of qualitative and quantitative data on the quality, effectiveness, relevance and appropriateness of the emergency response that is timely, reliable and useful. They will also be equipped with knowledge on the use of monitoring system information for tracking progress against targets; assessing outcomes of interventions, including those that are unanticipated; making decisions; and producing evidence-based reports. Students are also equipped with skills on how to assess existing monitoring frameworks and systems to identify gaps, bottlenecks and opportunities.

HME 110 Report Writing in Monitoring and Evaluation

This module follows a systematic process of introduction to monitoring and evaluation (“M&E”) reports writing and the importance of writing reports. Ideally, this module provides detailed information regarding M&E reporting. The M&E reports carry huge attention from the project stakeholders.  The module will equip students with skills on how to structure their M&E reports appropriately, apply reporting principles while writing their M&E reports and Draw proper conclusions and recommendations. It is important for one to be able to present project achievements, results, facts and findings in a systematic way in the report.

HME111 Evaluation Report

This module requires candidates to undertake an empirical study linked to the monitoring and evaluation of a genuine development project. Students will undertake any type of evaluation of a project or programme i.e. formative, process, midterm, outcome or end-of-term evaluations. The report should include the programme theory, and the Logic model with the following components: goal, outcomes, outputs, activities, resources, immediate, intermediate and long-term outcome indicators. The length of the written project shall be approximately 15000 words. The dissertation will be done under the stewardship of an academic staff member in the department. The study will be presented using Times New Roman, Font size 12 and double- spaced