Influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on humanitarian projects planning: a case of International Rescue Committee

Abstract

This research studies the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on humanitarian project planning with a focus on International Rescue. Out of this objective, three specific objectives are generated. The first objective sought to determine the influence of budgetary allocation in M & E activities on humanitarian project planning. The second objective sought to examine the influence of data access in humanitarian project planning and the third objective endeavored to examine the role of capacity building in M & E activities. For each of these objectives, a corresponding hypothesis was formulated. The study was based on the Program theory, Systems theory, and Theory of Change. The study was based on a cross-sectional descriptive research design. The study targeted a population of 46 employees at the International Rescue Committee. Through a census, data was collected from these employees using a questionnaire. The analysis was carried out in Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Both descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were applied for the data analysis. The descriptive statistics included frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation. A simple linear regression analysis was used in testing the hypotheses. The results revealed that budgetary allocation (t (43) = 0.534, p <0.05); data access (t (43) = 1.153, p <0.05) and capacity building (t (43) = 1.237, p < 0.05) in M & E activities had a positive impact on humanitarian project planning at 5% level of significance. It was thus concluded that International Rescue Committee has an effective M & E system in place. The study recommends the exploration of more data collection methods such as digital tools and diversification of the pool of M & E experts. Concerning further research, the study suggests an investigation of the potential role of moderating and mediating variables in the relationship between M & E practices and humanitarian project planning. In addition, the study recommends the study of more humanitarian organizations for more generalizable results.