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on Project, Program and Portfolio Management |
| By: | Moore, Lindsey; van de Laar, Mindel (RS: GSBE MORSE, Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MGSoG); Wong, Pui Hang (Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, RS: GSBE MGSoG, RS: UNU-MERIT Theme 3, RS: UNU-MERIT Theme 4); O'Donoghue, Cathal (RS: UNU-MERIT) |
| Abstract: | This paper introduces a novel methodology aimed at addressing a critical knowledge gap related to the lack of a systematic understanding of agriculture projects across spatial and temporal dimensions. This gap has impeded efforts to enhance learning and accountability, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of foreign assistance to the agriculture sector. To address this gap, deductive and inductive methodologies are applied to develop a standardized taxonomy for benchmarking United States Agency for International Development (USAID) agricultural projects. By applying this taxonomy to code all available final evaluations of USAID projects, a large qualitative dataset was generated. This dataset facilitates the analysis of the rich qualitative information available within public project evaluations and covers ninety countries over a span of six decades. The result of this research is a new dataset on the multi-layer composition of development projects, forming the foundation for a machine learning algorithm that expedites the process of synthesizing qualitative evidence and measuring the impact of development aid projects at a systems level. The overarching objective of this research is to contribute to the improvement of project and policy implementation in the field of agriculture development. |
| JEL: | C40 F35 O13 |
| Date: | 2023–04–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2023011 |
| By: | Mita, Kaori; Iizuka, Michiko |
| Abstract: | The energy transition is said to create emerging “green windows of opportunity (GWO)” in developing countries. On the other hand, many latecomer countries remain importers and users of renewables and clean energy technologies. Renewable energy deployment projects are considered complex systems and products (CoPS) that are capital-intensive, client-driven, and complex economic activities. Previous research on catching up in CoPS has concentrated on large engineering projects, focusing on technological aspects and the role of government interventions at different developmental stages, especially the creation of domestic markets. As many latecomer countries are users of emerging renewable energy technologies, the creation of domestic markets through government interventions is considered essential for successful transitions and capability upgrading to take place. However, capability upgrading and the transition to renewable energy can also occur without the initial presence of a domestic market and strong governmental support, as demonstrated by the case of ACWA Power, a project developer in a latecomer country, in Saudi Arabia. This case shows that upgrading of organizational capabilities took place as the firm engaged in projects in the external market to deploy renewable energy, taking advantage of the GWO. The case suggests that the CoPS can be a viable pathway for catching up in the emerging renewable energy sector, enabling firms to transition and build their organizational capabilities from project-based learning when GWOs are effectively leveraged. |
| JEL: | O31 O32 O33 |
| Date: | 2024–07–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2024015 |
| By: | Gabor Katay (European Commission, Directorate†General for Economic and Financial Affairs); Palma Filep-Mosberger (Magyar Nemzeti Bank (Central Bank of Hungary)); Francesco Tucci (Sapienza Università di Roma) |
| Abstract: | The paper evaluates the impact of the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) grants on profit†oriented firms’ post†treatment performance. Using a quasi†experimental design and a dataset covering applicants from 46 countries, we find that FP7 grants increase firms’ sales and labour productivity by about 18%. However, there is no significant impact on employment levels, pointing to potential growth barriers that prevent firms from scaling production despite improved productivity. The effectiveness of these grants varies significantly based on factors such as financial constraints, project risk profiles, market structure, and the innovation environment. Smaller, less productive firms with tighter financial constraints in technologyintensive sectors operating in concentrated markets and favourable innovation environments, particularly those undertaking longer and riskier projects, tend to benefit more. |
| Keywords: | EU funds for research and innovation; firm productivity; regression†discontinuity design. |
| JEL: | C31 G28 H57 O31 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mnb:wpaper:2025/1 |
| By: | Zohal Hessami; Timo Häcker; Maximilian Thomas |
| Abstract: | We analyze whether mayors’ prior occupation in the local public administration matters for their performance. In theory, mayors’ professional background may shape their competence in bureaucratic tasks. We use the example of grant receipts for visible investment projects for which mayors must submit an extensive application to the state government. Our dataset includes 1, 933 mayor elections (1993-2020) in the German state of Hesse to which we apply a sharp RD design for close mixed-background races. Mayors’ background on average has no effect on grant receipts. Yet, public administrator mayors do attract more grants than outsider mayors when they are ideologically aligned with the council, raising the motivation to apply for grants in the first place. We conclude that the competence of public administrator mayors only matters when they are motivated to use it, i.e. this is an example where incentives are necessary for the effects of political selection to materialize. |
| Keywords: | public administration, professional background, administrative skills, political selection, mayors, investment grants |
| JEL: | D73 D78 H71 H77 H83 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ces:ceswps:_11626 |
| By: | Shokry, Nada; Jovanovic, Nina; Kurdi, Sikandra; Hamdy, Adham; Elkaramany, Mohamed |
| Abstract: | Effective targeting strategies are vital for almost all development programs. Universal approaches which provide aid to all individuals regardless of need are not always feasible given limited budgets and varying development priorities. Conversely, targeting directs resources to those in greatest need, ensures efficient allocation while upholding principles of social justice, equality, and the right to assistance. This policy note summarizes the outcomes of a workshop held in Cairo on October 20, 2023, which brought together researchers, development practitioners, and policymakers. The high-level dialogue was part of the “Bridging Evidence and Policy†(BEP) seminar series, a collaborative initiative by the Egyptian Food Bank (EFB), the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and the Sawiris Foundation for Social Development (SFSD). The BEP series serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning among donors, local and international implementers, and government representatives, with a focus on improving targeting in development projects. This note highlights the key discussions, offering insights into best practices and recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of program targeting. |
| Keywords: | EGYPT, ARAB COUNTRIES, MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA, AFRICA, targeting, development projects |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:menapn:26 |
| By: | Daniel Habermacher (Universidad de Los Andes); Nicolás Riquelme (Universidad de Los Andes) |
| Abstract: | We study how diversity and participatory decision-making affect organizational performance. Our model involves a manager who can acquire costly information to guide project selection, and a worker responsible for its implementation. We model diversity as heterogeneous beliefs between the organization’s members and participatory decision-making as how much the worker’s perspective influences project choice—related to notions of empowerment and inclusion. Our findings show that higher diversity enhances decision-making and implementation outcomes when the manager can access high-quality information and the worker is sufficiently empowered. When information acquisition is covert, the manager cannot signal her commitment to reducing disagreement, thus eliminating any benefits of increasing diversity. When communication is strategic, the associated credibility loss dilutes the manager’s benefits from acquiring information, but the conflict of interest decreases with information quality. Our results imply that the ‘business case for diversity’ requires complementary organizational processes that foster informational transparency and trust among members. |
| Keywords: | Diversity, Worker Empowerment, Information Acquisition, Moral Hazard, Firm Performance. |
| JEL: | D82 D83 L25 M54 |
| Date: | 2025–02 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aoz:wpaper:352 |
| By: | Ziesemer, Thomas (RS: GSBE MORSE, Macro, International & Labour Economics, RS: UNU-MERIT) |
| Abstract: | In this paper we evaluate vector-error-correction model (VECM) estimations and simulations of a companion paper to show (i) internal rates of return to public R&D shocks of 17 OECD countries, (ii) the related payback periods, gain/GDP ratios, and discounted (at 4%) net present values, (iii) the underlying effects of public R&D shocks on domestic and foreign private and public R&D stocks. 14 countries show high internal rates of return from positive public R&D shocks if projects are stopped when gains get negative. Three countries show crowding out effects and require (initial) reductions of public R&D before showing positive results through crowding in of private R&D. |
| JEL: | H43 H54 O32 O47 |
| Date: | 2023–07–19 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:unm:unumer:2023026 |