Comprehensive Field Data Collection Itinerary Planning for Monitoring and Evaluation: A Framework for Strengthening Field Implementation

Field data collection is a critical phase of monitoring and evaluation (M&E), yet its operational planning is often simplified into generic schedules that inadequately address the complexities of field implementation. Although evaluation literature provides extensive guidance on evaluation design, logistics, supervision, and implementation planning, limited attention has been given to the comprehensive field data collection itinerary as a distinct operational planning instrument. This paper addresses this gap by conceptualizing the comprehensive field data collection itinerary as a micro-level planning tool that bridges evaluation design and field implementation. Anchored in Implementation Science and Utilization-Focused Evaluation, the paper adopts a practice-oriented case scenario of a hypothetical endline evaluation of a multi-component education programme in Mwanza Region, Tanzania, to demonstrate how a comprehensive itinerary can be systematically developed and operationalized. The proposed framework integrates respondents, activities, data collection methods, responsibilities, logistics, supervision, and scheduling into a single implementation plan. The paper shows that, unlike conventional planning instruments, a comprehensive itinerary enhances coordination, logistical efficiency, methodological consistency, stakeholder engagement, and quality assurance, thereby strengthening the validity, reliability, credibility, and utilization of evaluation evidence. It concludes that comprehensive field data collection itineraries should be institutionalized as a standard component of evaluation practice to improve implementation quality and evidenceinformed decision-making.