OBJECTIVES

• Participants can identify what existing information can usefully be obtained from which sources.
• Participants can identify and apply criteria for reviewing information from secondary sources.

OUTLINE

This part focuses on use of existing information: what to look for, where, and how to interpret it. Use of existing information is particularly important in M&E training as it is often overlooked in practice, particularly in the design of surveys and other monitoring activities and in emergency rapid assessments. The importance of using existing information for specific M&E activities must also be linked to the ongoing need for co-ordination and information exchange. Core content sheets from Module 7 may also be included here. This part is made up of only one session.

4.6.1

REVIEW OF EXISTING INFORMATION: WHAT CAN YOU GET FROM WHOM?

See text above for Part 4.6 "Outline".

FN	Review of existing information: what can you get from whom? Through a brainstorming session, participants identify a list of possible sources of information, drawing as much as possible from concrete regional or country-specific examples. In plenary or group work, participants then focus on identifying what information they need for different M&E activities. (These two steps are presented in reverse sequence to what should be the logical flow as it is generally easier for people to list sources.) Participants critique existing sources of information and from that exercise derive a list of criteria for analysis, and discuss. Special concerns in using such sources/information in crisis and unstable contexts are highlighted in a specific step in the brainstorming process.
CCS	Using existing information -- what are we looking for Sources of information Analysis of secondary sources Information exchange on the Internet: Reliefweb
OH	Information exchange on the Internet: Reliefweb
EX	What should you get from a review of existing information?

LINKS TO OTHER SESSIONS
MODULE 7 - DATA MANAGEMENT AND SHARING
Has important linkages in providing references on how to improve the effectiveness of information storage systems and situating in more detail some of the databases and data-sharing tools that should be consulted when looking for information.

SESSION 5.3.1 - DESK REVIEWS
The need to look at what information could be gathered through partners is obviously linked, at the data-gathering level, with desk reviews.

REFERENCE MATERIALS

UNICEF (2002). Programme Policy and Procedure Manual: Programme Operations.
Refer to the PPPM for guidance on situation analysis