Monitoring, Evaluation and Risk Management

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a key component of RI investment. This includes the tracking of (i) research outputs; (ii) grants expenditures by grant holders; (iii) research productivity of grant holders; and (iv) student training and graduation rates. In some cases, research performing entities such as universities, science councils and NFs are held responsible by the funding agency for the monitoring of RI during the construction and implementation phase. Monitoring of RI also forms a key component of the annual reporting frameworks based on predetermined indicators aligned to funding activities and outcomes. Evaluation of such activities is needed in order to adapt and enhance the programmes as well as to ensure: (i) scalability of interventions; (ii) improve performance and (iii) highlight factors (internal and external) that affect implementation. This chapter presents a number of conceptual frameworks that are used to structure M&E criteria for the successful management of RI investments.