EPISODE-5: Indicator and M&E Framework

EPISODE-5: Indicator and M&E Framework
Watch the video:

Indicator and M&E Framework:

EPISODE-5: Indicator and M&E Framework

What is Indicator?

If we want to know if the wind is blowing, the bowing treetops are good indicator.

The fact that treetops are blending may not represent the most important thing they want to know about the wind. In order to steer his boat, the fisherman may need to know the direction of the wind. On the other hand the farmer may want to know how strong the wind is, because his crops might be ruined. Perhaps the farmer is less interested in the wind than in the type of clouds, which may be better indicator of coming rain.

Types of indicator:

By nature indicator is two type-

1. Qualitative indicator (Example-Knowledge level on hygiene issue of target participants increased by project intervention; they know at least 3 basic hygiene message )
2. Quantitative indicator (30% targeted community people aware on hygiene issue; especially on personal hygiene, pure drinking water)
3. Proxy Indicator: A proxy indicator for a common context indicator is a quantitative indicator that provides information on a particular territorial contextual aspect (social, economical, environmental, educational). It serves to assess in rural development program the same contextual aspect as intended by a given common context indicator but for which data is not available. Compared to a common context indicator, a proxy indicator uses either a different definition and/or an alternative data source.

Different types of indicators are required to assess project, program or more broader level context. Within the RBM framework many organization uses three types of indicators, also known as results indicators

1. Situational Indicator:

Situational indicators describe the national development situation. They relate to the millennium development goals and subgoals and reflect long term development results, or impact. Situational indicators provide a broad picture of country development status. They are most useful to the country office senior management, informing the level at which senior management interacts with partners and develops strategies.  

EXAMPLE- the national human development report (NHDR), The common country assessment (CCA), National Statistics.

Situational indicators, which provide a broad picture of whether the developmental changes that matter to development organizations are actually occurring (impact indicators and situational indicators are essentially the same, although impact indicator may be more specific and situational indicator may be more generic)

2. Outcome Indicator:

Outcome indicators help the organization and country offices think strategically about the key results or outcomes they want to achieve. They help verify that the intended positive change in the development situation has actually taken place.

EXAMPLE- % and proportion of population with access to the internet, dis-aggregated by gender.

3. Output Indicator:

Output indicators help to measure and verify the production of outputs. Outputs are tangible results that can be delivered within a short time frame. This means that the output itself may be measurable and may clearly indicate how to verify that it has been produced. Output indicators are most useful to project managers, who are responsible for the production of outputs and their relevance to the outcome in question.

EXAMPLE- # of people using internet connection after project activities done.

Selecting Indicators: SMART context

Specific - The indicator has to be specific. It must be able to be translated into operational terms and made visible. While the outcome/result itself can be broad, the indicator should be narrow and focus on the ‘who’ and ‘what’ of the intervention. Additionally, ‘how’ and ‘where’ the ‘who’ is doing the ‘what’ is important to include in the indicator as it provides the action for the intervention.

Example: "Parents (who) will demonstrate positive relationships with their children (what) in their home environment (where) by an increase in nurturing communication, and appropriate and responsive care (how) at the time of exiting the program (when)."

Measurable - The indicator should be measurable, that is, it has the capacity to be counted, observed, analyzed, tested, or challenged. If one cannot measure an indicator, then progress cannot be determined. How will one know if the outcome has been achieved? Once an indicator is clear and specific, they can be measured in numerous ways; almost any indicator is in one way or another, measurable.

Example:  X% of parents served (measurable) will demonstrate positive relationships with their children in their home environment by an increase in nurturing communication, and appropriate and responsive care at the time of exiting the program

Attainable - The indicator is achievable if the performance target accurately specifies the amount or level of what is to be measured in order to meet the result/outcome. The indicator should be achievable both as a result of the program and as a measure of realism. The target attached to the indicator should be achievable.

Example:  85% of parents served (attainable?) will demonstrate positive relationships with their children in their home environment by an increase in nurturing communication, and appropriate and responsive care at the time of exiting the program

Relevant - An indicator must be relevant. It should be a valid measure of the result/outcome and be linked through research and professional expertise. There is no reason to create an indicator which does not relate to the larger outcome. The indicator should be meaningful and important to the outcome to certify that the results are actually showing a related impact. Broad outcomes/results can and should have numerous specific and applicable indicators through which progress can be assessed.

Time bound - The indicator is attached to a time frame. The indicator should state when it will be measured. If there is no time included on when to measure the indicator, how will anyone know if and when there is a result/outcome?

Example: 85% of parents served will demonstrate positive relationships with their children in their home environment by an increase in nurturing communication, and appropriate and responsive care at the time of exiting the program (time bound).

[Source: Save the Children International]

Monitoring & Evaluation Framework: