The impact of an institutionalised Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system on accountability in the public sector

Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this research report is to investigate the effect of an institutionalised monitoring and evaluation system on accountability and whether it has made any difference in strengthening accountability and transparency in the public sector. The aim is to assist programme managers to develop and have in place proper M&E systems to influence performance improvement, ethical compliance, and accountability. Design/methodology/approach - The research study uses a quantitative research method using descriptive analysis on continuous variables measuring central tendency and measures of dispersion. The statistical concept of hypothesis testing is used. The research details five a priori hypothesis and subjects the hypothesis to empirical testing. This is a process of testing whether the research claims are using simple evidence. The research is to establish whether M&E influences accountability. Several propositions that relate to M&E and accountability objectives in relation to the research questions were formulated with each question being a statement of empirical testing. Findings – The analysis of the hypothesis indicated that the hypothesis was rejected on three of the hypothesis testing and accepted on two on the hypothesis testing. The three rejected are Measurement Objectives Developed (MOD), Formulation of Indicators (FOI) and Reporting (R) meant that there was not enough evidence to support the hypothesis. Research limitations/implications – Only the quantitative method was used which is limiting. The limitation is minimised by testing the validity and reliability of internal consistency. The sample size was based only on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and rural Development which poses as a limitation and might not provide a comprehensive spread of evidence to infare the results to the whole population. Convenience sampling was used, the disadvantage are that the available data can be misleading, there is limited specificity and difficult to replicate the findings. Originality/value - The institutionalisation of M&E is the first step in assisting managers to improve performance and accountability. This involves the development of sustainable functional M&E systems in the public sector where reliable information is collected and used constructively by managers and the M&E unit.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023
Keywords
Monitoring and Evaluation of performance information, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Institutionalisation of M&E, Accountability, Formulation of Indicators, Development of measurement objectives, Reporting, UCTD
Citation
Mashigo, Grace. (2023). The impact of an institutionalised Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system on accountability in the public sector [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/40595