Learning Evaluation

Component 1: Performance Monitoring

This component was designed to track key activities, expenditures, and key output numbers with respect to the numbers of clients in training and research activities. In addition, the component was designed to track the grantees' targeting of low-income clients under the program supported with FIELD funding. Grantees were required to submit annual progress and financial reports, and participate in MicroTest, FIELD's project designed to develop, test and disseminate performance measures for the industry. MicroTest participants collect data on six types of measures:

• Target groups: key demographic characteristics
  
• Scale: size of program as demonstrated by client numbers and service indicators
  
• Credit program performance: program description and portfolio quality measures
• Training and technical assistance program performance: program description and service and completion data
  
• Costs, efficiency and sustainability: ratios of financial performance
  
• Outcomes: measures of change in clients and businesses.

Component 2: Methodological Research

This component was developed to answer the fundamental question: What is the relationship between training and technical assistance services and outcomes on the individual and his/her business. Most specifically, the component was designed to look at the key questions (and hypotheses) each institution established and implemented through its individual research plans. Two products were expected from this work:

• Reports of research findings produced by each grantee and published by FIELD.
  
• A set of FIELD forums that synthesize the results of the research related to common themes.
  

Component 3: Tools Documentation

The purpose of this component was to identify methods and tools that other practitioners can use to assess the effectiveness of their own training and technical assistance services. Given that, FIELD produced a manual containing 13 tools, plus a short discussion of how they have been used by the grantees within this research program, and lessons learned for other practitioners.