In the latest issue of Project Manager Today (Jan/Feb 2010), John Cropper of Oxfam GB says that in the use of tools like logical fameworks, International NGOs are arguably ahead oft he private sector, but conversely, they have much to learn in applying common project management tools and techniques.
He says that the sector badly needs a clear set of standards. APMGroup and pm4ngos have proposed a three level curriculum and qualification framework which was launched for discussion last year at summits in London and Washington. John says he believes this could form the bedrock for the sector.
In the article he says that almost everything an iNGO does is project-based. The problems facing project managers in the sector are often the same as those facing people in industry and commerce. But the priorities are different.
Project managers, he says, like to talk about time and cost. 'Well at the beginning of an emergency response, you probably won't know the timescale and, in the case of an emergency, there is enormous pressure to act immediately. Delays cost lives.'
iNGO project managers also focus not just on output and outcomes - but also on impact as well. Impact assessment, he says, is like business benefits realization on steriods.
See the article on the digital version or as a pdf in the knowledge base.