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175 Using M&E Data Now that you have collected all the research data. What will it be used for? Data from research, monitoring and evaluation is very useful for the organisation and various stakeholders, depending on the field you are in. The value of a monitoring and evaluation activity is measured by the extent to which the information is used by the organisation, intended decision-makers and the society at large. For the project or organisation, the data can be used to inform decision making about whether or not to design another programme, accountability, to make corrections during the implementation process of a project, where to allocate more resources and learning in general (UNDP, 2006). Results from an M&E activity can certainly provide information and facts that can be used as learning opportunities and create new knowledge within the organisation. Thus: 1. Information can be used to improve the performance of current and future projects, programmes and strategies. 2. Information from M&E can also be used for partnership building and advocacy. For example, if a project highlights its successes and good practices, these can then be shared with other stakeholders who could learn and possibly adopt the good practices and also promote collaborations with other organisations. 3. Information from M&E can help promote credibility and transparency within the organisation and other partners. 4. Results obtained can then be shared with other stakeholders for the good of the organisation and the greater good of society. How can a Project/Organisation learn from Monitoring and Evaluation? Accountability -this can only be achieved if measures are put in place to ensure that there is accountability and individuals within the organisation learn from this. For example, the regular exchange of information through the process of reporting, conducting learning sessions and information from M&E can be used to provide feedback into the planning process. This will encourage better outcomes and results. Future planning and programming : knowledge gained and lessons learned from monitoring and evaluation can be used to inform new projects that are being identified, designed or appraised. For example, M&E data can be used for project revision. The data can help answer the following questions about a project: is the implementation on tracks (quality of outcomes and timeliness)? Is the implementation strategy working? Is the project reaching the intended beneficiaries? What is working and what is not? Responses to these questions can help make timely decisions that will improve the