MERLA is the intentional application of results focused monitoring, evaluation, and research tools and methodologies to inform continuous evidence-based learning that is purposefully used to adapt program and policy decision making. It is founded on a desire for more meaningful and sustained results.

In our experience, this requires coordinated and collaborative development efforts that continuously test promising and innovative approaches and strive for improvements grounded in evidence. Through a MERLA approach, RTI guides performance management, helping donors, governments, program staff, partners, and other stakeholders meet rigorous and dynamic data and knowledge needs.

MERLA 101 Course

The MERLA Course is geared towards international development programs. It is designed for individuals with varying levels of MERLA experience and teaches skills important for all levels of project management and technical contribution. It consists of five modules (linked below), covering a range of topics, including:  

  • The purpose and different types of MERLA
  • How MERLA integrates into the full project cycle
  • Developing data collection instruments and managing data for performance monitoring, and evaluation
  • Designing performance indicators
  • Developing a program logic (Theory of Change, Logical Framework, Results Framework)
  • Understanding the costs of implementing MERLA

Module 1

Introduction and Basic Concepts: Purpose of MERLA; differences between monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities; how M&E leads to learning and adapting; how MERLA integrates into the full project cycle.

Module 1 about Module 1

Module 2

Fundamentals of Project Design: How do MERLA concepts fit into the project design phase; identify client MERLA requirements; develop a program logic (Theory of Change, Logical Framework, Results Framework); identify and analyze assumptions and risks.

Module 2 about Module 2

Module 3

MEL Plans and Indicator Development: Identify the components of a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation and learning plan; develop S.M.A.R.T. performance indicators; identify steps and best practices for establishing baseline values and targets for indicators; understand the costs of implementing MERLA.

Module 3 about Module 3

Module 4

Collecting and Managing Data for Performance Monitoring: Organize indicators into a ‘data map’ to plan for efficient data collection; develop data collection instruments; technology for, and management of, data collection.

Module 4 about Module 4

Module 5

Evaluations: Differentiate between different types of evaluations; distinguish between MERLA components and activities; plan for different types of evaluations depending on project needs; choose among evaluation methods for data collection purposes.

Module 5 about Module 5
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Webinar: RTI’s New Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adapting (MERLA) Course