What is the continuous process of collecting data to assess implementation effectiveness called?

The continuous process of collecting data to assess implementation effectiveness is referred to as monitoring. Monitoring involves ongoing observation and data collection to ensure that a process, project, or implementation is performing as intended and is aligned with the set goals and objectives. This process provides insights into any deviations from expected performance and allows for timely interventions to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

In this context, monitoring is essential for understanding how well the implementation is working over time, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions based on real-time data and feedback. It highlights the importance of not only initiating a project but also maintaining oversight and making necessary adjustments as new information becomes available.

Whereas the other terms like evaluation, assessment, and review may share similarities, they often imply a more periodic or one-time analysis rather than an ongoing process. Evaluation typically focuses on measuring the overall impact or value after a project has been completed, whereas assessment often relates to a more static analysis of a specific element or aspect at a particular point in time. A review can involve looking back over a timeframe but may not entail the continuous nature that monitoring captures. Therefore, monitoring is distinct in its emphasis on the ongoing and systematic approach to collecting data for effectiveness assessment.