Project Cycle Exercise Case Solution

1. Pre-Investment Phase

Also known as the planning phase, where all necessary project planning documents are prepared.

2. Project Identification

Process of identifying and selecting most appropriate intervention. The most critical stage in the project preparation process.

3. Project Design

Setting of project objectives and description of project components. Includes implementation arrangements such as activities to be undertaken, project schedule and resource allocation and budgeting.

4. Feasibility Study Preparation

A series of study undertaken to determine viability or success of projects as early in the planning stage.

5. Market Study

Establishes the need/demand for the product or service that will be produced by the project. Foundation of other studies in feasibility study preparation.

6. Technical Study

After the need/demand has been established, technical study is prepared. Most appropriate technical alternatives are considered- location, technology, size or scale and timing of implementation.

7. Environment/Sociological Impact

Determines the positive and negative impacts of undertaking projects. Ideally, this is done after the preparation of the technical study.

8. Organization and Management

Analyzes if the project can be implemented/operated given the project tasks and personnel requirements of the project.

9. Financial and Economic Analysis

Provides a quantitative analysis of the project; a decision point whether to push through with the project given financial and economic indicators. Financial analysis provides information whether the project will be profitable or not; economic analysis on the other hand provides the cost and benefits in undertaking a project.

10. Project Appraisal

Proposal is submitted to funding agencies for negotiation and approval. Assumptions made during feasibility studies are validated and examined. The last stage in pre-investment phase.

11. Investment Phase

When the project is approved and given the funding. Includes mobilization of resources and undertaking of activities based on project design.

12. Project Implementation

Activities outlined in the project plans/documents are undertaken.

13. Progress Monitoring and Evaluation

Involves monitoring of activities, resources, schedule based on planned documents and making appropriate adjustments.

14. Project Completion report

The Project Management Office prepares a PCR before termination of Investments.

15. Post-Investment Phase

After all investments have been poured in, the project operates independently of the implementers. Benefits intended by the project started being realized.

16. Project Operation

The project is being turned-over to the beneficiaries. Beneficiaries “operate/run” the project. The product or service produced by the project is being utilized at this stage.

17. Project Benefit and Monitoring Evaluation

Monitoring of the beneficiaries’ utilization of project benefits.

18. Impact Evaluation

Measures the direct and indirect effects of the project to the beneficiaries and its contribution to a broader objective of larger population.