Introduction
On November 12, 2025, the fifth episode of the SMILES Project Webinar Series focused on the theme “Graduation Approach Measurement and Results Management: A case of the SMILES Project.” The session, moderated by Derrick Aaron Nsibirwa, Research and Learning Advisor at AVSI Foundation, explored the operationalisation, measurement, and results management processes underpinning the Graduation Approach within the project.
Measurement Components
The presentation elaborated on the project’s logical framework, theory of change, and other key measurement and results management tools–including the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS), and the Management Information System (MIS)–all of which collectively supported and enhanced the project’s measurement, learning, and adaptive management processes.
“The Theory of Change illustrates how and why the SMILES Project’s interventions are expected to lead to graduation of extremely poor populations to self-reliance. It also helps to sequence our data collection processes, support our learning process, and map the relationships between the different pathways–linking short-term results to intermediate and long-term outcomes,” Solomon Otale, the Senior MEALS Advisor explained.
He concluded his presentation by reaffirming the team’s shared commitment that measurement must be practical, participatory, and purposeful–the results management systems are designed not just to track progress, but to tell the story of transformation.
Graduation Criteria, Results and Lessons Learnt
The session delved into the graduation criteria, outlining how participants’ progress was assessed and the process for determining readiness to “graduate” from the programme. The presentation detailed the development of the criteria, the selection of indicators, and the rationale guiding their formulation. Key results and lessons learnt were also shared, demonstrating how the insights gained have informed subsequent project design and strengthened implementation practices.
“Graduation is not only about increased income,” emphasised Joseph Irumba, the MEAL Advisor,“it is about dignity, confidence, and the ability to sustain a livelihood beyond programme support.”
Conclusion
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, after which the moderator expressed appreciation to the presenters and emphasised the importance of evidence-based implementation and adaptive learning. He highlighted this through two take-home reflections: “Measurement is not apart from programming, but a part of it,”and “If it’s not measured, it can’t be managed, corrected, or claimed.”
The session affirmed AVSI’s ongoing commitment to refining its measurement systems and sharing learnings across projects to foster greater impact and sustainability. Participants were encouraged to adopt similar approaches within their contexts, ensuring that programmes remain responsive, data-driven, and rooted in continuous learning.
Click HERE for links to the Episode 5 webinar presentation and video recording.
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