Monitoring and evaluation processses , project management maturity and performance of digital education tecchnologyproject in Malawi

Abstract

The Digital Education Technology Project (DET) in Malawi had performance challenges despite an undertaking of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E). In this regard the study aimed to investigate the influence of M&E Processes on the performance of the project and the moderating influence of Project Management Maturity (PMM) on this relationship. Specifically the study sought to establish how Planning for M&E, Implementation of M&E, Dissemination of M&E results and Utilization of M&E results influenced the performance of DET project. Furthermore the study established the combined influence of M&E processes on performance of DET project. The study also established the moderating influence of PMM on the relationship between M&E processes and performance of DET project. Methodologically the study was guided by descriptive correlational survey design within mixed methods approach. The target population comprised 456 persons who were involved in the management; implementation and M&E of the project of which 205 respondents were sampled using proportionate stratified random sampling approach. Questionnaire and interview guide were utilized as data collection instruments. These instruments were piloted to ensure validity and reliability. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. The descriptive statistics were presented as Frequencies, Means and Standard Deviations while Pearson Product Moment Correlational Coefficient, enter and stepwise regression analyses were used as inferential statistical tests. The qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis and this involved the identification of recurrent themes from the voices of the participants. With r=0.415, r2=0.172, F (1,183) =37.852 at p=0.001<0.05 it was concluded that Planning for M&E had a significant positive influence on performance of DET project. Further, Implementation of M&E positively and significantly influenced DET project performance [r=0.464, r2=0.216, F (1, 183) =50.029 at p=0.001<0.05]. In addition the influence of Dissemination of M&E results was positive and significant [r=0.367, r2=0.135, F (1, 183) = 28.309 at p=0.001<0.05]. Furthermore with r=0.489, r2=0.239, F (1, 183) = 57.266 at p=0.001<0.05 Utilization of M&E results had a significant positive influence on performance of DET. With r=0.506, r2=0.256, F (1, 183) =62.511 at p=0.001<0.05 the Combined M&E processes positively and significantly influenced DET project. In addition, the influence of PMM on DET project performance was positive and significant [r=0.488, r2=0.238, F (1, 183) =57.266 at p=0.001<0.05]. Lastly it was found out that the influence of M&E processes on the performance of DET project depended on PMM of the implementing organization such that the influence got stronger with increasing PMM levels. The study recommends that the implementing organization should be more inclusive in Planning for M&E. In addition there is need to intensify supervision so that M&E tasks are implemented in a timely manner. Further, the organization should embark on capacity building initiatives on Dissemination of M&E results as this was the least executed aspect of M&E despite being critical to DET project. Continued investment in Utilization of M&E results is recommended as this was an aspect that had the highest influence on DET project performance despite its moderate execution. The Implementing Organization and Ministry of Education should look at M&E as a holistic process in view of the fact that a combination of these processes had a strong influence on DET project. Lastly more investment in Project Management should be considered as it increased the effect of M&E processes on DET project