Project Design

Module 5 Session 5

Summary

This session provides introduction to project preparation, project documents, and checklist for questions that help a project designer. It teaches the skills of project proposal writing and puts emphasis on project objectives, outputs, activities and inputs. A logical framework approach is introduced. A case study of a project proposal format is given.

Contents

Introduction Project documents Checklist for questions that help at project designer The Project proposal Emphasis on project objectives, outputs, activities and inputs A case study The project proposal development format

Introduction

Project preparation also referred to as project design, project formulation, or project write-up

an idea is borne through some approaches and methods, the idea is transformed into a problem statement this results in the selection of a project from the many solutions presented in the problem statement.

Project preparation is writing up and processing of the project into a project document, which can be presented to funding agency.
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Preparation
Feasibility study

In case of complex and large scale projects which require detailed analysis e.g. construction of a Hydro-Electric Power (HEP).

Project documents include:

1. Project Proposal outlines project objectives, approach (strategy and activities), and the means through which it will be conducted (inputs, materials, personnel, timing). may be developed for projects of any size.

Typically used in public procurement processes, where several companies develop proposals for selection. Good practice for all projects to have a proposal as the foundation for a work plan.
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Project documents include (cont.):

2. Feasibility Study Report detailing the findings of the study. 3. Business Plan in case of projects where commercial aspects are important and financial viability is a must e.g. establishment of a commercial farm, a petrol station, a shop etc
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A checklist for project designers

Why are you undertaking a given project? Is the project the first of its kind in the area? Are there previous efforts to address the problems that the project intends to address? What are the area characteristics and other factors that may make implementation of the project easy? Why should it be you or your organization and not any other person to undertake the project?
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A checklist for project designers (cont.)

Where will the project be located? How will the project be implemented? When will the project activities commence?
What is the project trying to achieve or address? What resources will be required? How much will the project cost?
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A checklist for project designers (cont.)

What is the contribution of the beneficiaries to the project? How will the project be sustained? How will the projects on-going activities and performance be monitored? How and who will measure the effects and impact of the project? How will lessons learnt from the project be conveyed to other stakeholders like donors, government and beneficiaries?

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The project proposal

This is a primary document in the project preparation process. It analyses some of the elements of the project though not in as great detail as the feasibility study.

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The elements of the project proposal include:

Title Background, context and area characteristics Description beneficiaries Objectives Justification Outputs

Activities Inputs Budget Organization and management Monitoring and evaluation Sustainability plans
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