A guaranteed success for development projects with MSM’s Project Monitoring Tools program
"This program was a great opportunity to update my knowledge and learn about new approaches and tools in monitoring" Kwame Okae Kissiedu from Ghana who joined the executive Project Monitoring Tools program last week. This 5-day program is designed for professionals who would like to broaden their knowledge of monitoring & evaluations tools for development interventions, international procurement procedures and reporting techniques and content. Due to the current circumstances, the program was taught online.
Introduction to Project Management Tools
The first day started with a warm welcome and brief introduction of Ms. Mirjana Stanisic, Academic Coordinator International Business & Sustainable Development at MSM. After the introduction, Mr. Rui Miguel Santos, Expert and trainer in Results-Based Management Evaluation of Development Programs & Projects, took the participants into the world of project monitoring tools. The participants learned about the vertical logic of the logical framework. The essential component of the vertical logic is to think about the long-term change or impact of a project. In the afternoon, Mr. Santos explained about the importance of stakeholder engagement and that, no matter the level of influence or importance, developing relationships with every stakeholder in a project is key.
Assumptions and Risk Management strategies
On the second day, the participants learned that making assumptions is an important element in a project planning. The key is knowing how to spot assumptions and making sure that if the assumption is proven false, the impact on project delivery will be minimal. Furthermore, Mr. Santos explained the purpose of risk management strategies to identify project risks and develop strategies to prevent or minimize their impact to the project.
Importance of selecting indicators
Day three of the program, focused on selecting appropriate indicators. Indicators are important for any project and can be seen as a variable that is used as a benchmark for measuring the project output. Furthermore, Mr. Santos explained the necessity of verification sources describing where to find the information to verify your indicators.
The Log Frame Matrix
On Thursday, Mr. Santos dived deeper into the Logical Framework, a planning tool consisting of a matrix which provides an overview of the project objectives and activities. Furthermore, the participants learned about the evaluation tools as an important element of the logical framework. They learned how to identify, select and characterize evaluation questions and how to right a clear report based on the findings of the evaluation.
Procurement management
The last day of the program dealt with the purpose of project procurement management to establish and maintain relationships with external resources during the project cycle to meet the project goals. In the afternoon, the participants presented their individual assignments on which they have worked throughout the program. The program was highly appreciated by all participants. Kwame Okae Kissiedu found the program memorable: "Due to Covid-19 the program could not take place in Maastricht, but MSM was able to create an online version. Furthermore, the program gave me the opportunity to build some great networks with participants from different countries and backgrounds."
Would you like to join the Project Monitoring tools program as well?
The next 5-day Project Monitoring Tools program will take place from 7 – 11 June 2021 (online). In case you would like to join, make sure you apply before 29 May 2021.
About MSM’s executive education programs
In today’s rapidly changing world, it is important for leaders and professionals to keep their knowledge and skills up to date and relevant. Investing in executive education is investing in your future. At MSM, we embrace this lifelong learning approach! MSM’s hands-on executive programs, led by thought leaders and business experts, provide a practical and action-oriented learning experience and are designed to have an immediate impact on performance.
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