Managing the Monitoring Process

Actively manage the monitoring and reporting project.

Risks decrease with good project management - both at set up time and throughout the process.

Map out a clear project plan of what will happen when and who is responsible, and ensure this addresses what you will do to manage risks.

Identify the resources you have available and make sure you design the project to match these.

Data collection can take longer than expected - allow plenty of time and set up good systems and processes for data collection, storage, management and reporting.

Consider an independent review of the methodology, as good quality data and information is important.

A big part of project management is expectation management. Develop a communications strategy or plan.

Identify priorities - 'start small if you are small' - to make the best use of resources.

If producing a written report, manage report production once the scope of the report has been determined. Consider the format of the report in terms of publication on the web.

Establish a table of contents.

Develop a detailed brief and writing instructions for chapter authors.

Edit the report/s and ensure it is relevant to the audience. Consider the use of a neutral editor.

Monitoring is a long-term process and there are likely to be staff changes over time. The process should therefore be documented and filed in an accessible location.

Put good systems in place up front and your organisation will reap the benefits.

Think ahead, plan well and assign a good project manager.

Have a coordinated approach eg, one identified coordinator.

Involve a range of people to make use of different skills.