Step 6:
Develop strategic plan indicators
Once the objectives for the strategic plan have been agreed upon, appropriate indicators can be developed (Step 2 of Figure C4-3). Developing indicators is a systematic process that involves a number of tasks and criteria. It should be done collaboratively with all development partners involved in the program (preferably through the M&E TWG) so that the indicators are unanimously endorsed.
Chapter 4
Developing indicators requires the following tasks to be implemented: Task 1. Clarify the objectives or results and identify what needs to be measured. This is what success would look like for the organization of the program that is being measured. The goals are not directly measured but must be translated into indicators that are measured to determine if the program is on track to meet its goals or objectives and being implemented as planned (Kusek and Rist, 2004). Task 2.
Brainstorm a list of possible indicators for your goals, objectives, or results.
Task 3.
Assess each potential indicator from a technical perspective. Indicator selection criteria can be found in Annex C.
Task 4.
Select the most relevant indicators based on the assessment (Task 3).
Task 5.
Determine whether baseline values for the indicators exist. Baseline values should exist (relying on routine monitoring data) for all output indicators in the results framework. If baseline values for outcome indicators do not exist, include funding to collect the data needed in the national M&E work plan (see Component 5).
Task 6.
Record the baseline values for indicators (even if baseline values for all indicators do not exist), and circulate these widely.
Task 7.
Compile protocols for the project indicators. An indicator protocol is a detailed definition of the indicator [see section 5.4 (iv) for a detailed description of what is included in an indicator protocol].
Task 8.
Refine indicators and protocols and finalize the indicator selection.
Deliverable: List of indicators (with protocols) to monitor progress toward the objectives of the strategic plan.
Step 7:
Review the M&E plan (or develop one if it does not exist)
When the strategic plan (including indicators) is completed and endorsed, the M&E plan can be developed and reviewed (Step 5 of Figure C4-3). To do this: a) Ensure that the operational requirements of all strategic plan M&E strategies have been defined in the M&E plan.
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