10 Tips for Developing a Data Management System for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

"Without a good data management system, there can be no monitoring and evaluation (M&E). A comprehensive data management system is the one aspect of an M&E plan that often gets overlooked, and as a result, many good M&E plans will quickly come undone. Your M&E system is as good as your data management system!"

10 tips for developing a data management system for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is developed as a practical guide to help M&E officers and systems developers understand what constitutes a good M&E data management system and how to avoid common mistakes. The book is a companion to Integrating GIS in M&E. (See Related Summaries below.)

Key principles are represented by the acronym KISS-ME, and each principle is described and illustrated:

1. Keeping it simple
2. Structured
3. Modular
4. Elegant

The "Graphical user interface (GUI)” is illustrated in detail as a way to display and demonstrate data use and function. GUI displays that do not need user guides are encouraged. Further topics include:

• How to judge well developed indicators
• Data entry screens, templates and forms
• Modular design for growth
• Compatibly and interoperability
• Reports
• Do you need a dedicated administrator?
• Accessibility
• Backup and maintenance

To download a free copy, please send an email request to: info@aidatasolutions.com