Evaluation of the energy management training program

Special evaluation covers the period 1978-8/82 and is based on document review, surveys of participants, and interviews with participants, their supervisors, and AID/W and contractor personnel. Although the project has provided short-term U.S. training to 195 energy planning officials from 57 countries (not all of which are LDC's), its usefulness has been limited by its failure to continue to attract high-level officials. The training was not as intense as it might have been and emphasized sectoral and technological materials at the expense of case studies dealing directly with energy planning, pricing, and project evaluation. A number of LDC's have outgrown the course, which is viewed as an introductory overview of energy policy analysis. Those continuing to participate tend to send junior civil servants and others not directly involved in energy planning. Monographs produced by guest lecturers and a 1/82 seminar in the Philippines were of fair to good quality. The project was also hampered by inadequate management, particularly by failures to document the evolving course curriculum, formally follow-up on participant activities, involve Missions in participant selection, or set English proficiency standards for participants. There were also continual problems with course logistics and participants' housing and working conditions. Past participants, most of whom still work in the same or a closely related job, generally felt that the training was personally and professionally beneficial. However, only early, higher-level graduates had any influence on key energy decisions, and their influence was only moderate. Contractor attempts to establish a newsletter to foster post-course participant networking failed and, in fact, little networking has occurred even within countries. It is recommended that the project be terminated as currently constituted and regional energy management training, incorporating extensive interaction with LDC energy ministries, be considered. A detailed approach to regional training is outlined. Recommendations are also made addressing shortcomings in the present program.