Education policy and planning : an integrated information systems approach

Evaluation covers the period 7/84-7/87 and was based on document review, site visits, and interviews with project participants. The project, which is implemented by Balitbang (i.e., MOEC"s Agency of Research and Development), has several positive accomplishments. First, Balitbang"s Information Center developed, and obtained MOEC approval for, a comprehensive Management Information System (MIS) plan which includes all major units of the MOEC. Second, initial attempts have been made with three MOEC provincial offices to begin developing their own MIS"s. Third, Balitbang"s Policy Research Center conducted a number of studies which resulted in a proposal for an MOEC project monitoring system, a model for evaluating the education component of Repelita IV, and a guide to mid-term manpower planning for the MOEC. Specific problems with the project include delays in meeting targets set by a number of work plans, the early departures of the Chief of party and the long-term policy research analyst, and depletions of Balitbang professional staff because of training abroad. The major problem is that there is not yet a satisfactory integration of the work of the Information and Policy Research Centers. Three lessons were learned. (1) The role of the foreign technical advisor needs to be examined at length and agreed upon by all parties. (2) Proper timing and sequencing of TA can be crucial to project success. It is particularly important that advisors have ample opportunity to work with returned participant trainees. (3) USAID/I"s elaborate preparations for this project, culminating in a detailed project paper, has given an illusion of certainty to planned outcomes (e.g., it is assumed project efforts to increase institutional capabilities will certainly lead to improved planning and policymaking). The careful design of this project is laudable, but it should also be recognized that project outcomes are not certainties. Recommendations are, inter alia, to: conduct a study of Balitbang"s organization and management; take a phased approach to achieving operational linkages between the Information and Policy Research Centers; take various steps to enhance Balitbang"s external linkages; and focus provincial-level assistance on the three pilot provincial education offices.