Project management

Lack of capacity and experience in executing/implementing agencies as well as lack of reference projects can negatively impact project implementation. This project encountered delays because the executing agency and project management unit (PMU) lacked capacity and prior experience with international financial institution–financed procurement and management of large projects. Moreover, there were no reference projects with similar legal and regional setups to provide lessons and guidance to the executing agency and PMU.

Basic governance and project management capacity are needed for the success of institutional development projects. This first loan to a state-owned enterprise in Mongolia has demonstrated several lessons. First, having a stable and consistent governance in place within the executing agency is critical prior to pursuing reforms. Second, clarity in the legal status of the implementing agency and the applicable rules and regulations would help mitigate political risks.

Factors that contributed to the overall success of the project include (i) the openness willingness, and flexibility of ADB and the government to respond positively to emerging need and demand; (ii) agreements by stakeholders to increase the number of MES representatives in the project steering commitee, which balanced the views and bargaining power of MES in the decision-making process; and (iii) the willingness of ADB to use its own resources to hire staff consultants when required to help resolve procurement bottlenecks and accelerate project implementation especially during critical per

Close monitoring of and prompt responses to policy changes ensure smooth implementation and compliance to covenants. During project implementation, the executing agency took prompt action to change the scope of the project when one of the original subcomponents was not in compliance with the new issued development plan. This enabled the project to avoid compliance issues and be carried out smoothly.

Effective communication mechanisms enhance project implementation and need to continue beyond project completion. The effective communication mechanisms established by the project management and implementation institutions guaranteed joint efforts to timely find issues, actively communicate and consult with all parties, and seek and adopt effective solutions. After project completion, the relevant institutions should further ensure smooth communication.

Using third parties to monitor implementation, especially in situations where mobility and ADB missions are constrained, helps ensure the attainment of intended results. The government partnered with the Red Crescent, private sector, and civil society organizations to vaccinate all residents of Maldives, including foreign workers with no official work permits.

Data access and documentation issues, which can affect emergency response operations, need to be identified and addressed right at the onset of the crisis situation. Early in program implementation, the government recognized the importance of internet connectivity and the use of web-based applications. There was no established online system to receive and process emergency assistance applications. The application forms were initially submitted by beneficiaries through email, which took more than 5 weeks to process.

Flexibility in adjusting timelines and targets to respond to new and unforeseen factors enhances impact. Difficulties in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic affected project implementation timelines. The pandemic was unprecedented in scale and unpredictable in terms of the percentage of the workforce testing positive; the mobility restrictions that needed to be imposed to control its spread; and its impact on availability of supplies, materials and expertise needed to implement the project.

Sound implementation arrangements and commitment and leadership are critical to project success. The project management office (PMO) was institutionalized in the Hunan Education Department (HED), the implementing agency. HED was fully committed to and engaged in project implementation, and with TVET sector development and reform a policy priority of the HED, all 13 TVET institutions were fully responsive to and in good compliance with PMO requirements.

Procurement of works and recruitment of consultants followed due process and were completed on time. The contract award was synchronized with loan effectiveness and civil works commenced on time. Payment of small amounts to affected persons was a challenging task that is still ongoing. The prompt establishment of the project
implementation unit and lessons from tranche 1, particularly regarding LARP implementation, contributed to the smooth startup of construction activities.