Audit of USAID/Liberia"s management system for identifying and solving project implementation problems

Program results audit covers the period 1980-87 and is based on a review of USAID/L"s system for monitoring projects, results of site visits, and evaluation reports. Overall, USAID/L has made significant efforts to monitor its project portfolio and identify and resolve project problems. The audit also found that the Mission had adequately implemented an earlier audit recommendation to follow up evaluation and audit recommendations. However, improvements are still needed in several specific areas. USAID/L"s project management system could be enhanced by better measuring project results (e.g., by incorporating the use of quantifiable indicators), more quickly identifying and resolving problems (the management system did not provide enough periodic information to permit effective identification and tracking of implementation problems), and more effectively determining how unexpended project funds can be utilized (the audit revealed $5.4 million in unexpended funds which could be used more effectively). It is recommended that USAID/L include quantitative indicators in project papers and take other specific steps to improve its project management system and its monitoring of unexpended project funds. The Mission"s comments are appended. (Author abstract, modified)