Browsing by Author "Stofile, Pazuna"

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    Institutionalisation of monitoring and evaluation systems in the public service: a case study of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED)
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2017-03) Stofile, Pazuna; De Coning, Christo; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Public service delivery and project performance need sustainable monitoring to inform policy makers and beneficiaries of progress. This research study is motivated by a need for improved service delivery in the South African public service. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems are important mechanisms to assess service delivery programme implementation. An in-depth study was undertaken, to assess institutionalisation of M&E system within the WCED. Government M & E systems’ institutional requirements and arrangements were also studied and described as part of this study. The aim was to assess institutionalisation requirements for M & E systems within the public service using the WCED as a case study and to recommend an approach to improve the institutionalisation process. The literature review conducted focussed on theoretical, conceptual and legislative frameworks as well as policy and policy frameworks relevant to M & E. A qualitative design was chosen for this study. The qualitative research design employed a case study to collect data (Babbie & Mouton, 2001: 280). The unit of study was the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and a purposive sampling approach was chosen to target key informants from the M & E/Research unit of the WCED. Primary study data was sourced through a semi-structured research schedule/questionnaire. Content analysis of key M & E-relevant government documents was conducted to understand the case and study phenomena better. The research found that institutionalisation comprised many elements including value systems, human resources, governance, training, intergovernmental relations and capacity requirements. The study found that there was no formal M & E unit within WCED and that there was a lack of well-trained M &E practitioners. It was further noted that intergovernmental relations were functional between the DBE and WCED and that mutual focus areas like educational outcomes monitoring existed. Governance was also noted as an area of strength as respondents reported regular meetings with parents and SGBs in addition to the regular reports issued on the performance progress of programme implementation. Recommendations based on the findings were that the M & E Unit needed to be re-established and capacitated with skilled M & E officials. This unit should preferably report directly to the HoD who should take ownership of the M & E to ensure that the unit provides a transversal M & E function throughout the WCED. It was also recommended that all professionals working in the M & E area such as at schools, circuit and district levels should be trained in M & E. It was further recommended that improved intergovernmental relations and professional partnerships should be established to collaborate in alleviating the current shortage of M &E human resources and skills. The study concluded that although the process followed in establishing the WCED M & E system was not clear, strong incentives and support existed for a future M & E system and for the successful institutionalisation of an M & E system within the WCED.