Logframe for Windows 1.0 was developed by the Maizemoor International, whose founder has [...]]]> In this article, we like to present three Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Software that you can use in facilitating or supporting PPMS/DMF initiatives in your respective work areas. These are: (a) LogFrame for Windows 1.0, (b) AidProject M+E and (c) (PACPLAN) Solution.

Logframe for Windows 1.0 was developed by the Maizemoor International, whose founder has established some of the most successful and sustainable results based management (RBM) systems in international technical cooperation. Specifically, the company designed and installed the RBM systems for the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GTZ) and the British Department for International Development (DfID). It is a simple and flexible way to put the Design and Monitoring Framework (DMF) Approach in the heart of your project design, monitoring and evaluation.

Recently, the LogFrame for Windows 1.0 has been streamlined to focus on just the DMF method, itself. It is designed to help you and your team state, monitor and learn from their commitments to a course of causal action. It guides you to establish the results chain that drives the relationship between your deliverables and the outcomes of your projects or programmes. It consists of the following modules: DMF (sometimes referred to as Logframe), Resource editing, Project information, Export, and Printing. You can get the trial version here.

The AidProject M+E is a comprehensive and straightforward M&E software for Donor-funded aid projects. It empowers projects and programmes to employ good practices and satisfy your respective donor requirements. Basically, it helps the Project teams in: (a) Customizing the project via its Define Lookup Trees and Branches functions, customising include the DMF, Methods, Purposes, Gatherers (entities that will gather M&E data), Monitors, etc. The DMF/LogFrame will consist of the Impact, Outcome, Output, Activity – up to 10 levels) to define Indicators; (b) Define Performance Indicators together with their Locations and Periods and attaches additional criteria (your customised Trees & Branches) for reporting and analysis; (c) Maintain period targets and actual performance data (dates, text, money, yield, etc.); and (d) Distribute performance reports to Monitors (Donors, Government, Project Management, Stakeholders, etc.) and export spreadsheets to assist Gatherers.

One of the interesting features of the program is the Locations (Country, Constituency, District, Town, Village) for sub-dividing Indicators. It can report the progress of each indicators for every layer of the project. It has Purposes (relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability) info that are used to define Indicators. The M+E Methods are pre-configured with 34 methods including Random Sampling, Stakeholder Analysis, etc. The Units of Measure (dates, text, money, tons, etc.) can have user-defined formats. It has a good organization of contacts to record the contact information of members of Gatherers and Monitor Groups. Finally, it has extensive text records consisting of Text Impact (High, Med, Low), Status (Open, Closed, Pending, Suspended), & Type (Achievement, Action, Risk, Issue, Lesson, etc.). A license to use AidProject M+E is absolutely free. You can download the program from here.

Package Planning (PACPLAN)

Solution is an e-governance tool for project and public sector management to improve its policy/program/project measurement that specifically targets gathering, collating, analyzing and disseminating policy/program/project information. It is easy to use software tools and processes combined with various graphics technology, internet technology and modeling tools such as economic analysis without stretching the organization capacity limitation. It enables project organization to implement, in the continuously changing environment, within the short time frame. It enhances management capacity through transparency, accountability, flexibility, adaptability, participation, predictability, continuity and supports the logical framework approach and facilitate stakeholders to appreciate a better M&E process where technology can later be enhanced.

Together with the software, PACPLAN offers a five-day workshop to help build your skill and learn from an experienced M&E system implementing practitioner. You will also be using the pre-developed M&E Software tools to fast track your learning and overcome obstacles in M&E system implementation, as well as ensure sustainability for continuing and improvement of M&E framework. You will become proficient at planning, design and development of M&E System as well as software tools, understanding stake holders and obtaining their consensus and handling difficult situations.

Posted by Ed Canela, guest Blogger