Training on PCM principles for Sardinian Integrated Planning

| |

 In October, November, and December 2006, Formez has carried out intensive classroom and long-distance training activities on Project Cycle Management, for Sardinians involved in integrated project design. The guidelines’ handbook concerning Integrated Development Projects (made available by the Managing Authority of the Regional Operative Programme) foresaw the use of PCM methodology, as well as the use of participatory design for drafting projects, to be carried out through the adaptation of the GOPP method. In order to facilitate the work of those (public administration and private sector workers) involved in designing integrated projects and guaranteeing a homogeneous working scheme, we have set up classroom training activities (i.e. 19 days on territory which involved roughly 500 people and 7 facilitators!) in reference to PCM and GOPP methodology. We have also created an on-line environment which is not only a virtual platform where project designers and PCM experts (the so-called forum) could exchange experiences and ideas, but it also allows to perform an in-depth study of PCM methodology (i.e. on-line PCM course contents). On the whole, this activity has been appreciated to great lengths: public and private organizations have worked side by side, with the help of facilitators and Formez staff members. The the Expert respond service, in which a PCM expert was available on-line in order to offer proper guidance to project designers as to the application of correct project design logic, was particularly successful. The deadline previously set for submitting projects was December 20th, 2006, and the Sardinia Region is currently evaluating such submitted projects. Regardless projects’ gaining approval or not, the initiative’s strong point has been the territory’s widespread involvement, which has yielded many new ideas and proposals, most probably due to the fact that participation had been urgently requested. Such diffuse involvement has been made possible through the use of one methodology, i.e. PCM, which stimulates the active participation of all those who bear a common interest, thus creating a trusting and collaborative working environment for all.