Signposts in development management : a computer-based analysis of 277 projects in Africa

The following project characteristics were examined: (1) the level of organizational direction; (2) development management enhancement interventions; (3) enhancement/training components; (4) level of success; and (5) development management problems. Key findings were: projects in Africa are still being directed from the national rather than rural level; local administrative support directly influences project success; technical assistance should be viewed as a means of increasing indigenous management capacity; formal schooling remains the primary form of training, although more management training would be beneficial; contextual, especially socioeconomic, factors were considered most important in explaining project success; and data in A.I.D."s information system were often inconclusive as to what constitutes project success. The study"s statistical findings are presented in 32 tables. Appendices include a list of the projects studied and methodological details.