Managing for a Change: How to Run Community Development Projects

Project management is a skill we have to learn; good intentions and enthusiasm are not enough! This book provides an insight into development project planning and management by guiding the reader, chapter by chapter, through the stages from concept to completion. Topics covered include problem identification, mobilizing a group, solution identification and planning, resource identification and cost estimating, project funding, basic book-keeping and records, project supervision, project execution and post-project management. There is advice on all aspects of the process including problem analysis, meetings, letter-writing, decision-making, leadership, employment of contractors and quality control. The last chapter includes sections on profit and non-profit making enterprises and each chapter ends with exercises to help test the new knowledge and reinforce the lessons in good practice. This book will be invaluable to community group leaders and trainers as well as to individuals who are involved in community organizations of any kind.