One of the critical needs of the strategic development planning is the availability of authentic baseline data. Qualitative and quantitative data are pre-requisite for objective oriented program planning and proper implementation. Research is the most effective method of gaining authentic data. Similarly, a systematic and scientific base for measuring effect and impact of activities performed in line with the objectives through evaluation and impact assessment studies is very much needed. On the other hand, monitoring is the regular process in collection and use of data and information for project assessment and periodical guidance to project interventions.

With a view towards continuous self-assessment for different programs of BEES, the Research, Evaluation and Monitoring (REM) Cell works efficiently with constant eagerness. It mirrors the actual scenario of the organization’s development initiatives. The Cell measures the progress of the activities against target and informs the management how effectively the services are being delivered at field. The management is thus get feedback from REM and take necessary steps accordingly with immediate measures.

To make a perpetual check and balance, the REM Cell conducts research, surveys, monitoring, impact assessment and case studies on various aspects of the rural and urban development programs. A wide variety of issues are covered through these studies which focuses issues related to health, nutrition, education, women empowerment, employment and income generating activities, training, institution building & organizational development, etc.

Objectives

To evaluate and compare performances to the standard set by the organization in terms of timeliness, quality assessment and procedural aspects.

Achievement

During the reference period, July 2002- June 2003, the REM Cell performed different kinds of activities in accordance with its programmatic work plan. During the mentioned period, two half-yearly Monitoring Reports for the periods October 2001-March 2002 and April-September, 2002 of the project EHEP was prepared. The monitoring data was processed and analyzed through the developed software utilizing systematic computerized in-house monitoring system. These Monitoring Reports helped the management and project implementers to identify the variance between the targeted tasks and actual achievements. It also helped in identifying different factors that hindered the progress and taking required decisions to improve efficiency for proper project implementation. Along with the computerized monitoring activities, the Program Coordinator physically monitored the activities under the PAP throughout the reporting year. All Monitoring Reports were submitted/sent to the management and project implementers to initiate necessary steps. The REM Cell prepared six district-wise Semi Annual Performance Reports of EHEP of the periods October, 1999 - March, 2000 and April - September 2000.

The Cell prepared two narrative Semi Annual Performance Reports of EHEP of the periods October 2001 to March 2002 and April 2002 to September 2002. Besides, a quarterly Performance Report of the same project of the period October to December 2002 was prepared by Cell during the period under review. In addition to these, three Semi Annual and Quarterly Performance Reports, three separate reporting formats of project performance were filled-in and enclosed with the Semi Annual and Quarterly Performance Reports accordingly. The reports were submitted to the donor agency and other concerned personnel of BEES. Finally a Project Completion Report of the project EHEP was written and published by the REM Cell compiling and analyzing the data Half Yearly Monitoring and Semi Annual Performance Reports of the project and following a guideline provided by the donor agency. The report covered project summary, project assessment, success factors, management factors, lessons learned and project end evaluation findings. 

The REM Cell prepared Annual Progress Activities Report of BEES, which is one of the most important assignments of the Cell. The REM Cell collected all required information and data from all major programs and sub-programs under PAP. After compiling and analyzing the information and data the REM Cell prepared the Annual Progress Activities Report of BEES’s Poverty Alleviation Program implemented in the BEES intervention areas for the period 2001-2002.

As per the work-plan the REM Cell conducted several Case Studies on different issues within its program intervention areas during the reporting period. These case studies were published in BEES’s quarterly newsletters, annual report and other reports and publications. These case studies mainly focused how BEES helps the poor towards empowering women and increasing impact on their well being after receiving hardware-software balanced services from BEES.

Together with the aforementioned tasks, the Cell provided supports in various forms to the management and other cell/ programs as and when required in regard to writing project proposals, program/project monitoring reports including selection of indicators, case-studies and so on.