Project management techniques for performance monitoring

This paper, using on-farm maize research as an example, describes and compares four simple techniques for monitoring research performance by tracking resources, outputs, and time. It looks at each of the techniques - task lists, bar (Gantt) charts, milestone (deliverables) charts, and networks - in order of complexity and notes their advantages and disadvantages. The author warns, however, that these techniques are only applicable where a workplan has been devised in advance, targets or milestones have been identified, and administrative reporting systems are reasonably operational. Whether lists, charts, or networks are used, the crucial challenge to research managers is to develop reasonable research proposals, precisely define inputs and outputs, and accurately estimate resource needs. (Author abstract, modified)