M&E Indicators: 
      Module Objectives
      At the end of the session, participants will be able 
         to: 
      • Critique indicators
      • Identify criteria for selection of sound indicators
      • Understand how indicators are linked to the 
         frameworks covered in the Frameworks Module
      • Select indicators and complete an Indicator 
         Reference Sheet
                                      
      An Indicator is…
      • a variable
      • that measures
      • one aspect of a program/project or health 
        outcome
         An appropriate set of indicators includes at least one 
          indicator for each significant aspect of the program or 
                                  project
             (i.e. at least one per box in an M&E framework)
                                    
 Characteristics of Good Indicators
      • Valid: accurate measure of a behavior, practice or task
      • Reliable: consistently measurable in the same way by 
        different observers
      • Precise: operationally defined in clear terms
      • Measurable: quantifiable using available tools 
        and methods
      • Timely: provides a measurement at time intervals 
        relevant and appropriate in terms of program goals and 
        activities
      • Programmatically important: linked to a public health 
        impact or to achieving the objectives that are needed 
        for impact
                                     
     Characteristics of
     Good Indicators: Valid
         Accurate measure of a behavior, practice or task
     • Indicator measures what it is supposed to 
       measure
        –Direct measures
        –Proxy measures
        –Straightforward interpretation: change in 
         value signals a change in focal concept or 
         behavior
                                
   Validity: Class Activity
      • Is ideal family size a valid indicator of fertility 
        demand? 
      • Is the maternal mortality ratio a valid indicator of 
        the impact of a family planning program on 
        women’s health?
      • Is “% Willing to buy vegetables from HIV+ 
        shopkeeper” a valid measure of AIDS stigma?
      • Is “More than one non-marital partner in past year” 
        a valid measure of “risky sex”?