This guide provides information on M&E systems, focusing on the SMILER system: Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting. It is the third in the Project Package (ProPack) series written to raise the quality of CRS work in relief and development projects. ProPack I provided a tool to design projects and write proposals, and ProPack II provided basic project implementation guidance.

This guide describes how civil society organizations can improve their organizational systems and structures. It provides information on how to develop or improve business processes and highlights the Holistic Organizational Capacity Assessment Instrument (HOCAI). It also focuses on governance, strategic planning, finance, procurement, and information and communication technology (ICT).

The manual is intended to provide readers with a tool to design projects and write proposals. The approach is meant to build on CRS values, be locally appropriate, coherent and achieve positive results. It was produced and published in 2004 with financial support from Food For Peace. It was followed by the Project Management and Implementation Guide, also available in the Library.

This manual was written to respond to CRS field requests for more support on project management. It follows ProPack I, Project Design and Proposal Guidance and builds on the simple concepts and methodologies introduced in that volume. Together, the two manuals are meant to provide basic project information and tools from the early design stage through the close of the project. The next manual in the series is ProPack III - The CRS Project Package: A Guide to Creating a SMILER M&E System.