Database principles and MIS best practices
Welcome to the course “Database principles and MIS best practices". This is a compilation of various sessions for professionals interested in improving the structure of their information systems, data collection systems or databases.
These are free training sessions provided by the ActivityInfo team.
Are these sessions for me?
- Are you an M&E or Information Management practitioner needing to establish a new information management system or a database and you're not sure where to start?
- Do you want to gain a deeper understanding of what makes a good database or information system design?
- Do you want to maximize the chances that your new system will be adopted by your colleagues?
- Do you want to learn about practical steps you can take to ensure a successful rollout of a new system?
Then, get started with these sessions!
Best practices for rolling out new Information Management systems
During this session, we discuss launching a new information management system and strengthening an existing information management system within an organization.
In summary, we explore:
- Key aspects of an information management system
- Principles of change management
- Steps for rolling out a new information management system
- Common pitfalls and mitigation strategies
Data modelling for humanitarian and development information management systems
During this session, we discuss data modelling for information management systems.
In summary, we explore:
- What is data modelling?
- Why create a data model?
The data modelling process:
- Identifying data entities
- Creating entity relationship diagrams
Data modelling best practices:
- Considering the role of end user experience
- Tips for aligning user experience with database functionality
- Creating data models that facilitate analysis
- The most common data models in humanitarian and development contexts
Database design principles and designing a new database in ActivityInfo
During this session, we offer guidance on how to design a database effectively and we showcase how good database design principles can be applied to databases using the ActivityInfo platform.
In summary, we explore:
- Principles of database design
- Steps to creating an effective database design
- Common database structures in ActivityInfo
More resources:
- A complete guide for a project level M&E database
- ActivityInfo for development assistance projects
- Working with a global M&E database in ActivityInfo
Bridging the gap between databases and mobile data collection in M&E
During this session, we discuss main concepts around relational databases and the link between a database and data collection apps.
In summary, we explore:
- What a relational database is, and why it is important for complete and accurate tracking of results
- Excel compared to a relational database
- Differences between XLSForm (‘typical mobile data collection tool’) and the relational data model
- Explain how ActivityInfo’s integrated mobile data collection tool can bridge the gap more efficiently and improve data quality
More resources:
Applying the Agile Methodology to M&E data collection systems
During this session, we discuss how the Agile Methodology can be applied when designing an M&E data collection system to be able to respond to changing needs and lessons learned while the system is used.
In summary, we explore:
- What is the Agile methodology?
- Characteristics of agile data collection systems
- Reducing risks and uncertainty when rolling out information systems
- Best practices
What every M&E specialist should know about data collection systems
During this session, we discuss the steps for building a data collection system for M&E activities.
In summary, we explore:
- Mapping the information flow in your organization and between various stakeholders.
- Creating an indicators' inventory based on your Logical Framework or Results Framework.
- Understanding how team structure can affect data collection.
- Using specific ActivityInfo features to create a powerful online data collection system.
- Ideas to empower coleagues working in data collection and reporting.
- Monitoring actions related to the data collection system.
- Using built-in tools to share results and increase accountability and learning.
More resources: