A growing number of governments are working to improve their performance by creating systems to measure and help them understand their performance. These systems for monitoring and evaluation (M & E) are used to measure the quantity, quality, and targeting of the goods and services--the outputs--that the state provides and to measure the outcomes and impacts resulting from these outputs. These systems are also a vehicle to facilitate understanding of the causes of good and poor performance.

Monitoring and Evaluation Systems are a critical component of evidence-based policymaking. This book aims to help governments and civil society organizations design, implement and use M and E information drawing from best practice experiences.

Outcome Mapping: Building learning and reflection into development programs

This 'Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results' is an updated edition of the 2002 edition of 'Handbook on Monitoring and Evaluation for Results'. It seeks to address new directions in planning, monitoring and evaluation in the context of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) corporate strategic plan, the requirements of the UNDP evaluation policy approved by the Executive Board in 2006 and the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) 'Standards for Evaluation in the UN System'. The updated Handbook also incorporates information recommended by key users of the Handbook during various workshops held by UNDP units.