Management development for productivity

PES covers the period 8/80-8/85 and summarizes the attached special evaluation (XD-AAR-409-A) based on site visits, document review, and interviews with project personnel, USAID/E, and Egyptian public and private sector personnel. Despite some problems, the Management Development for Productivity (MDP) SP has been successful in generating income and introducing improved management practices to 31 companies. Training has been held for 845 managers; 17 workshops, 2 seminars, and 25 case studies have been conducted; and audiovisual and reference materials have been prepared. The MDP has several problems which need attention. It is dependent on support from the GOE and the business community and lacks clearly delineated roles and responsibilities as well as detailed action plans. Several other areas, such as training programs, baseline research, and internal cost accounting procedures also need additional attention. The next 2 years could serve as a transitional period in which an Egyptian organization could be developed to supplement the MDP, which could then serve as a mechanism for coordinating other A.I.D. projects with Government of Egypt (GOE) services to industry. It is recommended that: (1) the advisory committee and MDP staff address the SP"s need for political support through contact with Egyptian business and government leaders; (2) a strategic focus be developed by sector, problem area, or economic targets; (3) recently developed documentation and management control systems be expanded and refined; and (4) improvements be made in project implementation areas (task force visits, training materials, and marketing) in the contractor"s work plan for Phase II. Despite these recommendations, however, USAID/E has decided not to finance Phase II of the SP. This is due, in part, to the GOE"s request that the MDP be replaced by seven sector-specific training centers. (NE Bureau abstract)