Sound, participatory monitoring and reporting for effective implementation of the results-based management approach

The results-based management (RBM) approach has been widely adopted across the globe in efforts, by governments and development organisations, to improve livelihoods through the achievement of sustainable development results. The Government of Zimbabwe adopted the approach in 2005 and subsequently formulated brilliant economic development policy documents and programmes. Progress towards attainment of the related goals appeared to be rather limited as was the case in most nations although, according to the literature, success with the approach has been recorded in several nations. Such success is mostly attributed to the design and execution of effective monitoring and reporting processes. This study sought to identify trends, strengths and shortcomings in performance measurement processes relating to the implementation of projects and programmes in Zimbabwe and other nations that had recorded success stories with the approach. In addition, it sought to contribute to the body of knowledge on RBM and performance management through the identification of strategies for improving performance and ultimately impact of the related initiatives. The findings showed the essence of a sound, participatory results-based monitoring and reporting function, found to be lacking in Zimbabwe, in enhancing the achievement of development results. It, therefore, concluded that the function, if effectively implemented, can significantly enhance the delivery of development results and consequently the impact of related programmes. Recommendations for improvement as well as further research to help address limitations of this study were provided