Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Monitoring and Evaluation Terms – Building Shared Understanding for Effective Practice
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-tp-04
This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global
Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →
About the Paper
Effective Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) relies on a shared vocabulary that fosters clarity and consistency across organizations. This Teaching Paper presents a curated glossary of 40 key terms, ranging from foundational concepts like outputs, outcomes, and accountability to advanced methods such as randomized controlled trials, regression analysis, and mixed-methods evaluation. Each entry includes a practical note, linking academic rigor with real-world application in non-profit practice. A case study demonstrates how one organization improved reporting and donor communication by adopting a shared glossary. Reflection questions and tips are provided to help non-profits contextualize and integrate the glossary into their evaluation systems.
Key Topics
- Foundational M&E concepts: outputs, outcomes, and impacts
- Core tools and methods for evaluation
- Participatory and mixed-methods approaches
- Advanced methodologies: RCTs, regression, cost-benefit analysis
- Digital innovations in M&E (social media analytics, virtual volunteering)
- Practical application notes for organizational use
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Glossary of Key Monitoring and Evaluation Terms – Building Shared Understanding for Effective Practice. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-tp-04
References
- Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations. Wiley.
- Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the nonprofit organization: Practices and principles. HarperCollins.
- Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-focused evaluation (4th ed.). SAGE.
- Preskill, H., & Boyle, S. (2008). A multidisciplinary model of evaluation capacity building. American Journal of Evaluation, 29(4), 443-459. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098214008324182
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring & Evaluating Virtual Volunteer Programs. NEYA Global Publishing.
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Legal Guide to Digital Volunteer Management. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/legal-guide-digital-volunteer-management-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Inclusive Virtual Volunteer Programs. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/inclusive-virtual-volunteer-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Motivating & Retaining Online Volunteers. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/motivating-retaining-online-volunteers-2025
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Metrics for success in virtual volunteer programs: The role of KPIs. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Setting goals and objectives in virtual volunteer programs. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mnevlvrvlpr-03
- Kazanskaia, A. N. (2024). Strategic Planning for Social Impact. NEYA Global Publishing.