Technical Assistance and Training

Monitoring of Village Based Plans in NWFP Pakistan

Remme Consult provides technical assistance and training in project planning, monitoring & evaluation (M&E) and MIS. We have undertaken consultancies for a large number of programmes in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe. The combination of the social sciences and agricultural/NRM expertise, experience in participatory approaches (PRA, PME) and the technical know-how with regard to the development of MIS and databases, makes Remme Consult unique in its field. We combine:

• conceptual analysis and design (programme design, set up of planning, M&E systems and institutional requirements)
• technical development of instruments (MIS, M&E tools)
• training, capacity strengthening and institutional development.

Planning (LFA, PCM)

With respect to planning, technical assistance has been provided in logical framework analysis (LFA), Project Cycle Management (PCM) and objective oriented planning/ZOPP workshops. A well defined planning framework that is based on a solid problem analysis is a prerequisite for M&E. Remme Consult has experience in workshop facilitation and has been involved in the formulation and improvement of logical frameworks for a number of programmes.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

Though the basic principles of M&E are the same, development programmes are usually very diverse and have their own particular characteristics that require the development of specific procedures and mechanisms. The change from area-based project assistance to programme- or sector-based approaches of development co-operation, makes the planning and M&E of the programmes more complex. Different institutional levels might be involved that are responsible for different types of activities or projects. The M&E system should incorporate these different institutional levels and relationships.

Because of these complexities and specific requirements, Remme Consult has assisted a number of programmes with the development of their M&E systems and has trained project staff in M&E methods. Major emphasis is put on result-oriented monitoring, institutional learning, participatory approaches and institutional capacity and sustainability (see also our philosophy on M&E).

We have also assisted programmes with the write up of their annual progress and final reports.

Management Information Systems (MIS)

MIS involves the organisation of the information flows and records into a comprehensive system that enhances the analysis and decision-making process. Information from different sources, such as the planning framework, administrative issues, financial transactions, M&E findings and other relevant data, should be linked in a logical and simple manner. Remme Consult has assisted various programmes with:

• the conceptual design of a MIS (which data should be linked, when, how, by whom, who should have access to the information, etc.)
• database design and MIS software development.