Changes in scope and implementation arrangements are often needed to make projects responsive to changes in government and policy directions. The changes in the ruling party and restructuring of the government in 2012 and 2016 led to changes in the policy directions on higher education. To remain responsive and aligned with the government’s policy, minor changes were made to the project scope and implementation arrangements.
Government changes can disrupt institutional continuity. The national election in 2012 resulted in a change in the ruling party and the subsequent appointment of new directors and staff in the implementing agency. Additional time had to be devoted to building capacity and awareness of the project. Several components under the project were canceled because of changes in government priorities.
Active engagement with key government agencies is important. It can provide the much-needed oversight and intervention to facilitate the resolution of unexpected design and implementation issues emerging from project implementation. These especially concern issues that ADB has very limited control.