Assessment of organizational factors affecting utilization of Monitoring and Evaluation results in delivering government programs: A case of Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Uganda

Abstract

The field of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is often restricted to the technical aspects of conducting M&E. However, it is increasingly being acknowledged that organizational factors of entities are regularly more influential as far as mainstreaming the adoption and utilization of M&E is concerned. This study sought to assess the organizational factors affecting utilization of M&E results, specifically by analyzing how information availability, information processing skills and organizational culture affect utilization of M&E results in MoES. The study methodology entailed grounded theory and quantitative research methods and covered a sample of 191 respondents. The study’s key findings, among others, include: M&E information is often stored as manual paper records which subjects the information to wastage through poor handling and physical deterioration; and, poorly presented M&E results have a negative effect on their utilization. The study generated a number of recommendations, which inter alia include MoES should: design and implement a mind–set change programme for all staff of the Ministry to embracing and utilize of M&E results; design and implement regular capacity building and retooling programmes for all staff involved in the generation and utilization of M&E results; and, migrate its M&E records and management procedures from paper–based systems to digital systems. The study's conclusions inform various government MDAs about the relevance of using M&E results for planning, budgeting, and policy making. The study findings will enable MoES appreciate the need for installation of appropriate information management systems necessary for improved uptake of M&E results utilization. The study suggests a number of areas for further investigation, such as, examining the influence of political direction and choices on the application and usefulness of M&E results in government organizations, and analyzing the impact of information dissemination on demand and utilization of M&E results in Government agencies.