Data Science · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 5: Reporting and Dashboards · Lesson 2 of 3

Indicators and Monitoring Reports

Define indicators precisely and report them consistently over time for monitoring and evaluation.

In this lesson you will

  • Write complete indicator definitions
  • Build indicator tables for periodic reports

Key concepts

indicatornumerator and denominatorbaseline and targetdisaggregation

The lesson

An indicator definition states the numerator, denominator, data source, frequency and disaggregation: 'percentage of enrolled pupils present on census day, by sex and school type, from the school census, each term'.

Reports compare indicators with baselines and targets and show trends over periods, using the same definitions each time so changes are real.

Disaggregate by sex, age, location and other relevant groups, with small numbers suppressed or combined to protect privacy.

Step by step

  1. Write definitions for five programme indicators.
  2. Calculate them from the analysis table.
  3. Add baseline and target columns.
  4. Disaggregate by sex and district.

Practice activity

Produce the indicator table for the programme's term report.

Expected result: A correct, fully defined, disaggregated indicator table.

Check your understanding

  1. Name three parts of an indicator definition.

    Show answer

    For example numerator, denominator and data source.

  2. Why use the same definitions every period?

    Show answer

    So changes reflect real change, not changes in method.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.