The True Value of Data
In today’s world, organizations collect vast amounts of data, from community feedback and survey results to performance metrics and outcome evaluations. However, data alone is not enough. Numbers on a spreadsheet or charts in a report mean little if they sit untouched.
The real value of data emerges only when it drives decision-making and action. For example, if an education program identifies that girls in rural areas have significantly lower attendance rates, this insight should spark targeted strategies such as providing transportation, improving logistics, engaging parents, or offering flexible learning schedules. The true value of data lies not in the information itself, but in how that information is used to adapt, improve, and create meaningful change.
M&E professionals play a critical role in this process by transforming raw data into actionable insights and ensuring that decisions are evidence-informed. This is how we move from reporting for compliance to learning for impact.
Hnin Ei Lwin
#Monitoring #Evaluation #Reporting #Research #MEARL
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