American University in Cairo

Course/Program Description:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Program equips participants with the
knowledge and skills to design, implement, and manage MEL systems effectively. Through
practical applications and theoretical insights, participants will learn to apply MEL concepts in
various organizational and sectoral contexts.
The program covers key areas such as theory of change development, log frame creation,
performance indicator design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. It also emphasizes
ensuring data quality standards and generating actionable insights to support evidence-based
decision-making.
Ideal for professionals in development, project management, and evaluation roles, this
program provides a comprehensive understanding of MEL functions at the international,
regional, and national levels. Participants will gain the confidence to conduct evaluations,
produce impactful reports, and contribute to continuous learning and improvement within their
organizations.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
1. Describe the core concepts of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
knowledge base.
2. Explain the key theories, assumptions, and terms used in MEL frameworks.
3. Apply MEL concepts to assess and solve real-world challenges.
4. Analyze the role of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning approaches in various
organizational settings.
5. Adapt MEL approaches to meet the needs of different organizations and sectors.
6. Evaluate the effectiveness of MEL systems across diverse operational contexts.
7. Compare MEL functions within international, regional, and national settings.
8. Assess the advantages and limitations of MEL practices in different scenarios.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Diploma (MEL) (Course/Program Code) Date
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9. Construct a theory of change to align project goals with intended outcomes.
10. Develop logical frameworks (log frames) to map project activities and desired results.
11. Identify appropriate indicators for measuring the success of projects using MEL
principles.
12. Design detailed Performance Indicator Sheets to monitor project performance.
13. Formulate project learning agendas, incorporating learning questions and objectives.
14. Select effective learning tools and activities to facilitate adaptive learning in projects.
15. Design qualitative data collection tools tailored to monitoring and evaluation studies.
16. Develop quantitative data collection instruments to ensure comprehensive data capture.
17. Implement data collection processes using appropriate methodologies.
18. Refine data collection tools to enhance accuracy and relevance.
19. Apply data quality standards throughout all stages of data management.
20. Maintain the integrity and reliability of data by consistently applying quality standards.
21. Perform quantitative data analysis to extract meaningful insights.
22. Conduct qualitative data analysis to uncover patterns and themes.
23. Interpret the results of both qualitative and quantitative analysis for informed decision-
making.
24. Evaluate the suitability of various evaluation approaches, designs, and methods.
25. Differentiate between evaluation types to determine the most appropriate for a given
context.
26. Conduct evaluations, analyze findings, and generate actionable recommendations.
27. Present comprehensive evaluation reports that offer clear insights and guidance for
stakeholders.