The Impact of Integrating Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks on the Performance of Strategic Planning Process at the University of Zambia

Abstract

Descriptive and inferential statistics frequencies, percentages, and regression analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data, exploring relationships between M and E integration and strategic outcomes (Gichuhi and Nyagah, 2019). According to the report of the Committee of Cabinet Affairs on the Implementation of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy in Zambia (2023), the Government developed the National Monitoring and Evaluation Policy to provide a framework to measure and track progress in the implementation of policies, plans, programmes and projects. This arose due to the need for a robust national Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework to guide the National Development Plan implementation and provide mechanisms for objective assessment of programme results (outcomes and impacts) which needed the urgent and coordinated attention of all stakeholders (NAZ, 2023). However, the University of Zambia under the Ministry of Education (MoE) was not familiar with the content of the Policy and the implementation plan. The main purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Integrating Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks into the Strategic Planning Process at the University of Zambia. The specific objectives were to evaluate the role of effective integrating monitoring and evaluation frameworks into the strategic planning process at the University of Zambia, to evaluate the involvement of monitoring and evaluation frameworks into the strategic planning process at the University of Zambia., and to determine the impact of integrating monitoring and evaluation frameworks into the strategic planning process at the University of Zambia. The researcher adopted quantitative research designs. The study employed Purposive sampling techniques to mobilise the quantitative and qualitative data. The Purposive method was used to identify and select a homogenous sample of UNZA employees that met the predetermined criterion of importance. The research comprised of questionnaires. The questionnaires were used because they are the main means of collecting quantitative primary data. The questionnaires enabled quantitative data collected in a standardized manner, to ensure the data is consistency and coherent for the analysis. From the findings, the study concludes that the University of Zambia has made significant strides in implementing M&E structures, with 91% of respondents acknowledging the presence of dedicated M&E units. However, the effectiveness of these structures is perceived as lacking by a notable segment of the staff, with 69% of respondents rating the current M&E processes as ineffective or very ineffective. This finding is particularly concerning given that 70% of respondents indicated that M&E processes contribute positively to achieving strategic objectives. The disparity between perceptions of M&E processes and their actual effectiveness suggests a critical need for improvement in engagement practices and the overall M&E framework. The study reveals a significant gap in the allocation of human and financial resources for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities, with 60% of respondents indicating that such resources are insufficient. Only 25% believe that adequate resources are in place, while 15% remain uncertain. The study further reveals a notable 25% remain neutral, which may indicate uncertainty or a lack of involvement with the M&E processes. The data indicates a strong consensus on the necessity of mainstreaming a formal Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework in future initiatives. A significant majority, totaling 65%, either strongly agree (35%) or agree (30%) with the need for a formal M&E framework.