Special evaluation : graduate management training (517-0157), Universidad Catolica Madre y Maestra (UCMM), Dominican Republic

Midterm evaluation covers the period through 5/86 and is based on document review, site visits, and interviews with students, graduates, faculty, and administrators in the United States and the Dominican Republic. In general, the project is progressing well, attracting capable personnel and resolving problems as they occur. A physical facility has been built and equipped; there is a functioning graduate Faculty of Administration; the Management Library is operating well; the Computer Center is in place; an Executive Training Institute (ETI) and a Center for Administrative and Economic Research (CAER) have been established; and participant training has been implemented. Although it is too early for a complete impact analysis, a number of UCMM"s M.B.A. and M.P.A. graduates report increases in salaries and job responsibility; faculty and in-service executives have also improved their knowledge and skills. In general, disbursement of project funds is somewhat behind schedule; the project"s reporting system does not, however, make clear why this has occurred. Both the contractor (the University of South Carolina) and UCMM have generally performed well. The project design remains valid, with a few exceptions, e.g., targets for enrollment. However, certain modifications to the original design have already been made and others should be considered. Staff responsible for needed adjustments are aware of problems, concerned about their timely resolution, and prepared to resolve them cooperatively. The major areas requiring midcourse attention are: utilizing the collaborative assistance mode; increasing student enrollment and retention; planning for the remainder of the project; the optimal use of TA; improving reporting systems; strengthening and formalizing linkages with the public and private sectors; using the Computer Center to its potential; accomplishing research and consultancy projects under the direct sponsorship of the CAER; and strengthening the ETI. Nevertheless, progress to date represents a solid foundation for a very complex effort. Several specific recommendations are made.