Traditional vs. Results-Based Monitoring

Monitoring is not new thing; traditionally we monitor different things such as project expenditures, no. of staff recruited, no. of training completed, total participants trained, services provided, and other project activities. But result based monitoring is different from traditional monitoring system.

Traditional Monitoring and Evaluation focuses on the monitoring and evaluation of inputs, activities, and outputs (i.e., on project or program implementation). On the other hand, Results-based M&E, in contrast, combines the traditional approach of monitoring implementation with the assessment of results. RBM mainly focuses on the impacts, outcomes and outputs.

Inputs ->Activities ->Outputs ->Outcomes->Impacts

I have piloted RBM system for our PRIME project in greater Rangpur region. Total 4 branches were piloted 1 in Lalmonirhat, 2 in Rangpur and another in Kurigram. I individually piloted the Badargonj branch of Jagoroni Chakra Foundation in Rangpur.

Result Based Monitoring (RBM)

Results-based monitoring is a continuous process of collecting and analyzing information, and comparing actual results to expected results in order to measure how well a project, program or policy is being implemented.

A results-based monitoring system provides crucial information about organizational performance. It can help policy makers, decision makers, and other stakeholders answer the fundamental questions of whether promises were kept and goals achieved. If organizations are promising improved performance, monitoring and valuation is the means by which improvements – or a lack of improvements – can be demonstrated. By reporting the results of various interventions organizations can promote credibility and donor’s confidence in their work.

A good results-based monitoring system can be extremely useful as a management and motivational tool. It helps focus people’s attention on achieving outcomes that are important to the organization and its stakeholders, and provides an impetus for establishing key goals and objectives that address these outcomes. It also promotes to managers crucial information on whether the theory of change guiding the intervention is appropriate, correct, and adequate to the changes being sought through this intervention.