Development is any deliberate, organised action whose ultimate aim, by whatever stages, is to contribute to a process of change from a situation that a substantial group considers unsatisfactory or problematic into one that is satisfactory.
Development projects are set up to contribute to a process of change from a situation considered, by a substantial group, unsatisfactory or problematic into one that is satisfactory.
For donors, a development project is a set of coherent, interdependent tasks contributing to a common goal. It is limited in time and answers to precise specifications. Its effects and impact, however, are expected to endure.
Building a bridge over a watercourse to connect two localities, for example, is a short project with long-lasting effects and impact.
A development project has the following principal stages:
- The preparatory stage: the stage at which one satisfies oneself that the project is viable, feasible and answers a genuine need. It consists of defining the project, analysing its profitability, identifying the stakeholders and obtaining the appropriate authorisations.
- The planning stage: a delicate stage, taking account of many elements — the key roles and responsibilities, the indicators of success, the risks and potential bottlenecks, what is expected in the way of team communication, and the project’s final deadline. The reference documents for implementation are drawn up at this stage. Its outcome is a detailed project plan to be shared with everyone involved.
- The launch meeting: a meeting at which the key elements of the project plan are discussed with the stakeholders — the various responsibilities, the communication guidelines, how success will be recognised and so on. It is the occasion to set the direction, to clarify every aspect of the project, and to give assurance before questions arise.
- The execution stage: carrying out the careful planning already done. The various tasks are performed at this stage, which calls for constant vigilance so that one can confirm all is proceeding as intended or, failing that, identify and correct errors and departures from the plan.
- The control and monitoring stage: verifying and giving assurance that everything is proceeding as planned and that the tasks are being properly carried out. This runs in parallel with execution. The original plans may be adjusted at this stage to fit the realities; the project plan is a useful road map, but one to be corrected as circumstances require. Consultation with stakeholders must be continuous throughout.
- The closing stage, which consists of: (i) satisfying oneself that every planned task has been properly completed and that nothing is left outstanding; (ii) delivering the project to the client or the users; (iii) collecting, ordering and preserving the project documents; and (iv) reviewing the project, in particular the lessons learned and the difficulties encountered, so that the next project may be better for it.
The AUDICO team accompanies you and brings its technical support to every stage of your project.