notesprojectappraisal.docVIP

Notes: Project Appraisal Summary This session will define project appraisal and introduce dimensions of project appraisal, including issues of social acceptability/desirability, environmental friendliness, technical feasibility/ appropriateness, gender sensitiveness, economic soundness and ability to be sustainable and most importantly financial viability. Introduction Project appraisal is the process of assessing and questioning proposals before resources are committed. It is an essential tool for effective action in community renewal. It’s a means by which partnerships can choose the best projects to help them achieve what they want for their community. But appraisal has been a source of confusion and difficulty for projects in the past. Audits of the operation of Single Project Budget schemes have highlighted concerns about the design and operation of project appraisal systems, including: Mechanistic, inflexible systems A lack of independence and objectivity A lack of clear definition of the stages of appraisal and of responsibility for these stages A lack of documentary evidence after carrying out the appraisal It’s no surprise that audits or inspections aren’t impressed with the quality of appraisals, and are specifically found with problems like; Individual appraisals which do not cover the necessary information or provide only a superficial analysis of the project Particular problems in dealing with risks, options and value for money Appraisals which are considered too onerous/burdensome for smaller projects Rushed appraisals Project appraisal is a requirement before funding of programs is done. But tackling problems like those outlined above is about more than getting the systems right on paper. Experience in projects emphasizes the importance of developing an ‘appraisal culture’ which involves developing the right system for local circumstances and ensuring that everyone involved recognizes the value of project appraisal and has the knowledge and