COURSE TITLE: Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Systems

Course Code: RMEL 201
Credit Value: 3 Credits

Contact Hours

• Lectures: 2 hours/week

• Practical / Laboratory: 2 hours/week

Duration: 15 Weeks (One Semester)
Prerequisite: GS 107 – Research Methods and Critical Enquiry or equivalent foundational knowledge in research methods.

1. Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles, frameworks, and professional practices of Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (RME) used in government institutions, development organisations, humanitarian agencies, research institutions, private enterprises, and community development programmes. Building upon foundational research knowledge, the course explores how evidence is generated, monitored, evaluated, and utilised to improve programme effectiveness, organisational performance, and evidence-based decision-making.

Students examine the complete programme management cycle, including problem analysis, programme design, Results-Based Management (RBM), Theory of Change, Logical Framework Approach (LogFrame), indicator development, monitoring systems, evaluation approaches, data quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and ethical practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating research with monitoring and evaluation processes to support planning, implementation, accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

Practical sessions provide hands-on experience in developing logical frameworks, theories of change, performance indicator matrices, monitoring plans, evaluation frameworks, and programme performance reports using realistic case studies from public administration, business, environmental management, journalism, education, health, and development sectors.

The course prepares students for advanced study in digital data collection, statistical data analysis using SPSS, programme evaluation, impact assessment, and applied research.

2. Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Explain the principles, concepts, and functions of research, monitoring and evaluation.

2. Apply Results-Based Management principles to programme planning and implementation.

3. Develop theories of change and logical framework matrices for projects and programmes.

4. Design measurable indicators and performance monitoring systems.

5. Differentiate among research, monitoring, evaluation, assessment, audit, and supervision.

6. Apply ethical and professional standards in research and evaluation practice.

7. Interpret monitoring and evaluation information to support evidence-based decision-making.

8. Prepare professional monitoring and evaluation documentation used in public, private, and development organisations.

3. Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will be able to:

• Explain the role of research, monitoring and evaluation in organisational performance and sustainable development.

• Develop problem statements, results chains, theories of change, and logical frameworks.

• Design SMART indicators for measuring programme performance.

• Prepare monitoring plans and indicator tracking matrices.

• Distinguish among different types of evaluations and select appropriate evaluation approaches.

• Apply principles of data quality assurance and ethical evidence generation.

• Interpret programme performance information to support organisational learning and decision-making.

• Produce professional-quality RME planning and reporting documents suitable for government, business, research, and development organisations.