Recognize Indicators, Outputs and Outcomes In Monitoring

RECOGNIZE INDICATORS, OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES IN MONITORING Introduction Monitoring is an integral part of the planning that has been prepared. Therefore, an important prerequisite in monitoring is to understand program planning, both the approach and the results of planning. In terms of program approaches, in general, there are those that use asset-based and problem-based approaches. In the current monitoring context, what is used is a problem-based approach, which is an approach that begins with identifying problems as a basis for program preparation. One of the monitoring series used in this monitoring series is RBM (Result Based Management). An important thing that is needed in program planning is how program planning succeeds in formulating the desired changes logically and rationally at each level of change. This will make it easier for organizations to read the progress and effects of the programs they run from year to year. Below are some important terms in monitoring that need to be known, as follows. Indicators in Monitoring Success indicators or measures are tools to provide signals about the achievement of program results in a measurable and operational form – measuring the achievement of actual results versus expected results, over a period of time. The indicator itself is of two types: 1) Quantitative indicators measure quantities, such as: amount, percentage, income level. 2) Qualitative indicators that reflect people's opinions, judgments, perceptions, and behaviors on certain subjects/issues; For example: level of satisfaction, level of influence, level of participation, level of openness, application of information/technology, form of dialogue. In some cases, the indicator is a combination of quality and quantity. An example of a combined indicator is "number and level of teacher participation". This indicator reflects how many teachers participate and at what level that participation occurs. Participation rate can refer to Sherry R Arnstein (1969), and can be targeted at what level participation can be achieved. Therefore, each indicator must also be included with the indicator target. Therefore, tips on preparing indicators can use the SMART formula as follows: • S (Specific): clear what is meant, where, when and how the situation will change; • M (Measurement): targets and benefits can be quantified; • A (Achievable): can contribute to organizational goals; • R (Realistic): allows achieving a level of change with regard to organizational goals. • T (Time bound): can be followed from time to time. Output of Monitoring Implementation Output is a statement of results at the level of short-term achievement, directly obtainable results from the activities carried out and entirely under the control of the management of the organization. Example output "Well-managed good practices documentation". Documentation of good practices can be obtained directly through activities such as workshops, FGDs, or research and writing. Some organisational planning documents still equate activities and outputs. Even though activities are ways or strategies so that output can be achieved. Workshops, FGDs, research and writing activities are ways to achieve results, namely "Documentation of good practices is well managed". Outcome Outcomes are statements of results at the medium-term level of achievement, not directly obtained through activities and requiring some contributions from other parties (e.g. stakeholders, beneficiaries, media, partners and so on). Outcomes can be achieved through achievement at output levels added to the supporting assumptions. Example outcome, "Increased teacher participation in using technology-based learning methods". Teachers in this case are other parties in the area of behavior change intervention from using conventional methods to technology-based methods. The interventions that organizations can do lie in technology-based learning methods. The success of the program can be assessed if teachers with their own awareness conduct learning with technology-based methods. The assessment will be successful if the indicators and targets at the outcome level are well formulated according to the SMART rules above. By understanding the terms in monitoring, benefits are obtained, namely an understanding of the context, program flow, changes expected by the organization through the programs it runs and so on. Understanding above others can easily understand the context of the program being run and is likely to be supportive of greater program achievement.