The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. For all their reputation as a madcap bunch, the New Yorker staff came from the editorial, if not cultural, elite. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims.

Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity.Īpplying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical center-specific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death.

Madcap contributor