Choose sustainable implementation arrangements. Although the same person headed the Agency for Vocational Education and the project implementation unit, there was a lack of integration between the two organizations. The project activities were separately implemented and managed by the project implementation unit without involving the staff of the Agency for Vocational Education. As a result, activities initiated under the project may slow down after the departure of the project implementation unit consultants. An alternative is to embed the project implementation unit within the existing administrative structure of the agency, involving key staff supported by project implementation unit consultants. Such an arrangement will automatically mainstream project activities into the regular activities of the agency, thereby enhancing sustainability. Use a competitive funding mechanism to select schools for assistance. If the criteria are not carefully determined, the government may select schools whose management and staff are not ready and/or committed to the objectives of the project or the changes it brings. Some of them behave with a sense of entitlement, which leads to complacency in achieving output targets or in adopting new systems and procedures. An alternative selection process is through a competitive funding mechanism. ADB and other donors have used this approach in different countries quite successfully. It forces eligible institutions to compete with each other by preparing funding proposals based on project guidelines. The guidelines specify priority programs that will be supported, eligible expenditure items, the maximum allowable amount per program, and the geographic coverage to ensure equitable representation. Training on how to prepare project proposals can be provided to all eligible institutions. A committee evaluates and selects the proposals worthy of support. Experience has shown that such an approach engenders a strong sense of ownership and commitment to deliver the promised results. Include a change management process. In a project where a new mindset is crucial as new concepts, systems, and processes are introduced, a change management strategy has to be put in place anticipating the possible areas of resistance, and understanding the underlying reasons and means for overcoming such resistance. This aspect is often overlooked, as in the case of this project.
Vocational Education and Skills Development Project