Vietnam: Improving Capacity of Statistics for MfDR
Nguyen Thi Lien
Vietnam Statistical Association
MfDR has become very popular all over the world with the initial objective of measuring
the performance of sponsored projects in order to improve the effectiveness of
international aid programs. Major principles of MfDR include:
-
defining developing action plans in which desired outcomes were identified
clearly
monitoring, evaluating actual outcomes against targets
utilizing a results reporting system that is simple, realistic and effective, userfriendly
managing for results by identifying what inputs are needed to achieve targeted
outcomes
using result information for decision making, reporting and accountability.
With these core principles, MfDR is not only well-applicable in managing Aid Programs
but also useful in the management of investment projects as well as managing the
effectiveness of strategic development programs, policies and plans made by different
administrative levels
In recent years, MfDR has been introduced to and applied in Vietnam. The Vietnam
General Statistical Office (GSO) has applied MfDR in managing the Project “Improving
Capacity of Economic Statistics” sponsored by Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency (Sida). This 10 year project (1995-2006) was implemented in three
phases. It has helped to build the GSO’s statistical capacity in various areas,
contributing significantly to the development of the Statistical Law in Vietnam, improving
the organizational structure of statistical system, statistical subject matters as well as the
capacity to apply information technology within the profession. According to Sida’s
evaluation, this is the most effective project in the public administration sector
implemented in this period.
Following are a few lessons from the management of this project:
-
GSO, the project manager and Sida’s advisor coordinated to develop a master
plan for the project, which specified outcomes for each phase and each year.
Each of the outcomes flows from a set of specific actions. For each action, we
then specified a timeline for it, identified opportunities and threats, define human
resource inputs (responsible authority) and financial inputs needed to achieve the
target outcomes. The project was monitored closely, quarterly and yearly reports
were produced, and problems were immediately addressed by the project
manager. Adjustments to the outcomes were performed but on a very rare basis.
-
A very important factor contributing to the success of the project is the definition
of the project outcomes, which were based on corresponding requirements of the
strategic development plan of GSO during the period. Each task in the project is
implemented in parallel with the actual working plans of GSO. However,
outcomes of the project and outcomes of GSO’s working plans are not the same.
Rather, outcomes of the project provided GSO with the necessary technical
support and impetus. As a result, outcomes of the project become achievements
of the general development program of GSO.
-
From our experience, it is very important that we clearly define a set of realistic
objectives for the project, upon which outcomes are specified and actions are
monitored. MfDR is an effective management tool. Hence, if each of the
management steps is well-prepared and closely adhered to, the projects will be
managed well and efficiently. In order to achieve the above mentioned success,
members of the project management board had attended a training course on
MfDR.
MfDR has been limitedly applied in Vietnam, due to the following main reasons:
1. Other
management
methods
are
in
prevalent
use
by
administrators/managers in Vietnam (e.g. in central state agencies,
ministries, local governments, and businesses). These include management
methods that are based on a general plan, past experience and custom, or
assignment of tasks within certain budget, time constraints …
2. Knowledge of MfDR is not widely spread.
3. MfDR involves thorough consideration of specific outcomes from the very
early development of the project as well as periodical evaluation and
monitoring, which could be a hindering factor.
4. Many managers are not fully aware of the importance to ensure performance
quality of any work in general, and of ODA and FDI projects in particular
Below are some recommendations for MfDR to work well in a developing country like
Vietnam:
1. Conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) about MfDR and its
advantages as a management tool to offer users with informed choices.
2. Organize short training courses on MfDR for managers of different levels of the
government, businesses, and project managers to convince them into using
MfDR in their governing and/or managerial activities.
3. Encourage applying MfDR especially in managing Aid programs/projects, by
conducting tailor-made training courses for project developers and managers.
4. Develop software programs to assist planning, monitoring and reporting that
would facilitate utilizing MfDR
5. Enhance capacity in accurate and timely gathering and processing of data to
evaluate outcomes and progresses, identify necessary modifications, and make
appropriate follow-up decisions
As mentioned above, when utilizing the MfDR management tool, realistically defining
outcomes and periodically evaluating performance of the project are the most
important tasks. Hence, if the statistical capacity (including developing key
performance indicators, improving data collection and analysis capacity …) is
enhanced, MfDR will be utilized successfully.
At final, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce VSA and how VSA can
contribute to the development of MfDR in Vietnam.
The Vietnam Statistics Association (VSA) is a Non-Government Organization. The goal
of the Association is to contribute to the cause of maintaining and developing the
statistical occupation; improving the professional skills and ethics, contributing to the
implementation of basic statistical principles of assuring transparency, objectiveness,
accuracy, adequacy, timeliness and compatibility to International standards. It also aims
to provide the best statistical services for all end-users and contribute to the power for
extending of the statistical activities.
VSA is able to provide the wide range of products and services including: 1. Doing
opponent duty and consulting services on statistical field; 2. Training on Statistics ;
3.Conducting package surveys or participating in the conduction of some parts of a
survey such as writing outlines and questionnaires of survey, analyzing results of survey
or census, designing indicator results of projects… based on the requirements of
customers 4.Other services such as disseminating or propagating statistical activities or
the result of a survey or a census; providing specialist services introducing clients to
other field experts
With the above mentioned objectives and capacity, VSA can participate in the following
services to help develop MfDR:
-
Conduct Information, Education and Communication about MfDR by delivering
seminars and short trainning courses.
Conduct survey and develop a system of outcomes evaluation for various
projects and programs.
For doing that, we appreciate all forms of co-operation and support. The attempts of
VSA will hopefully contribute to the development of MfDR in Vietnam.