More than 20 participants registered for the course, entitled Project Cycle Management Workshop, which got underway today (Wednesday, May 9) at the ARD Conference Room.

The course is facilitated by ARD Senior Projects Manager Robin Swaisland every Wednesday for four weeks.

Participants were asked to identify their own projects so that what they learn can be applied.

“You will have the opportunity to advance your own project,” Mr. Swaisland explained.

The course covers the various techniques for effective project design, planning and implementation, with particular emphasis on proper preparation and planning.

Noting that the whole idea of projects is “constantly evolving,” Mr. Swaisland said: “We need to pay a lot more attention to the design and planning phase of project management than in the past.” This includes the important area of procurement.

Failure to address design and planning for a project can lead to overruns in timelines and funding, he added.

Other aspects of the course include monitoring and evaluation. The course will also feature a session by ARD Macro Economist Dr. Sylvia Charles on the financial aspects of project management, including analysing the cost benefits.

Representatives of the following Ministries and agencies are enrolled in the course:

• Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Forestry and Fisheries;
• Ministry of Finance and Planning;
• Ministry of Sports, Community Development and Cooperatives;
• Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Human Resources;
• Ministry of Health and the Environment;
• National Disaster Management Agency;
• Grenada Red Cross;
• Youth Prints;
• Grensave;
• Grencase; and
• Grencoda;