Introduction to PMEL Copy

PMEL stands for “Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning”, all aimed at improving performance. Sometimes the abbreviation includes an “A” for “Accountability” (PMEAL). PMEL covers the whole cycle of a project, starting with the planning phase. 

PMEL is part of all phases of your project and you have most probably dealt with one or more PMEL activities in your daily work. Whether you have been involved in the design of a new programme, if you have created an on-/offline campaign or tracked social media activities; it all involves PMEL.

As the terms are probably not completely new to you, let’s start with a brief quiz to check your understanding of the terminology.

The PMEL cycle

PLANNING

In this phase, we define our project, do a needs assessment (if we do not have all the information), and collect baseline data. Baselining is extremely important, because it enables us to measure differences (e.g. in knowledge, behaviour, skills,) before and after the project, or impact.

MONITORING

When the project starts, we try to make sure that the things we do are monitored during implementation. Monitoring is being done regularly, to check if the project is on track and to steer if it is not; are we doing what we planned we would do?

EVALUATION

Evaluations can be carried out either during the project cycle or at the end of a project or programme. Evaluations assess whether the results have been achieved, as well as how they have been achieved, including the reasons why certain aspects of a project or programme that were planned have been implemented or not. Another purpose of evaluation is to be accountable to donors, partners and the larger audience. 

LEARNING

Learning is the main purpose of monitoring and evaluation. Learning should be part of the entire project life cycle. We need to reflect on what went well, what did not, and why, in order to improve our project.