Glossary

A learning-driven approach to project implementation that allows for changes based on real-time feedback and evolving contexts.

Those individuals, groups, and organisations with whom you interact directly and anticipate opportunities for influence.

The degree to which strategies, actors, and structures align around a shared purpose or goal.

A system made up of interconnected parts where change is non-linear, unpredictable, and influenced by feedback loops.

A visual or narrative description of how your activities are expected to contribute to system-level change (e.g., a Theory of Change).

Six areas where systemic transformation may occur: mindsets, behaviors, relationships, institutions, resource flows, and power dynamics.

The unexpected outcomes or patterns that arise from interactions in complex systems, which are not directly planned.

Dynamic processes where outputs of a system influence its future inputs; may reinforce or balance change.

The space between full control and complete uncertainty—where your initiative can shape but not guarantee outcomes.

Alterations in rules, norms, or structures within formal or informal systems.

An intentional action or process designed to catalyze change in a system.

A guiding question that helps MEL practitioners focus their exploration of assumptions, progress, and system dynamics.

Strategic places in a system where small shifts can lead to significant changes.

An ongoing process embedded throughout all stages of the project or program cycle—from design to completion. It includes:

• Monitoring, the routine tracking of resources, activities, and results to guide implementation;

• Evaluation, the periodic assessment of a project’s performance and progress; and

• Learning, the intentional use of information from monitoring and evaluation to reflect, adapt, and improve a project's effectiveness.

Shared assumptions, beliefs, and narratives that shape how people interpret and act in a system.

Structured logs for tracking behavior, decisions, or practice shifts in specific actors over time.

A methodology focused on behavioral changes in boundary partners, emphasizing contribution over attribution.

The meaningful involvement of stakeholders in shaping strategies, MEL tools, and learning processes.

The way influence and authority are distributed within a system, affecting who can act and be heard.

Deliberate moments to pause and analyze what is changing, what is being learned, and what to adapt.

The quality and structure of connections between actors in a system, including trust, collaboration, and networks.

How money, information, goods, and services move through a system—and who controls access to them.

The boundaries and focus areas defined for monitoring and evaluation.

A group or individual process of interpreting new data, patterns, or experiences in a way that informs action.

Early indications that a deeper systemic shift may be occurring—even if not yet measurable.

A non-linear learning cycle with phases like sensing purpose, orienting, surfacing patterns, adapting, and aligning.

A shared long-term vision or purpose that guides all aspects of systems change and MEL.

A strategic framing for the parts of a broader system relevant to your initiative and MEL focus.

Systems Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (Systems MEL) is a way of tracking and learning from change that helps projects adapt and improve by paying attention to connections, unexpected results, and the bigger system they are part of.

A mindset and approach that recognizes interconnections, multiple perspectives, and emergent behavior in change processes.