Energy management training program

energy management training to LDC government officials. PES covers the period 5/80-9/82 and is based mainly on a special evaluation which included review of project literature (A.I.D. documents and reports, written responses from participants and their supervisors, and advisory group inputs) and interviews with past participants and in-country officials. Participants have viewed the course as beneficial. Its primary value has been as an introduction for mid-level (and, during the project"s early years, high-level) officials to the concepts and methodologies of energy policy analysis. A number of countries have outgrown the course, however, and those still participating are likely to send junior officials or others not directly involved in energy policy analysis. Nonetheless, countries with limited experience in energy policy formulation can still benefit from the course. The special evaluation recommended that if U.S. training is to be continued (as opposed to regional training abroad), A.I.D. should effect: significant improvement in contractor management and documentation (especially regarding participant selection and supervision) and sensitivity to potential conflict of interest; changes in course length and content to increase its relevance to needs identified by participants and to stress training in elements of policy analysis not available elsewhere; changes in course structure (e.g., division into sections appropriate to participants" technical background and interests); and increased stress on student participation and interaction with instructors, as opposed to lectures. Action decisions are to: accept the evaluation report with recommendations; initiate FY83 funding; initiate course changes and strengthen course structure and contractor management efforts; and distribute the final evaluation report.