12 - Approaches to CD - Preparation and Planning Process p.1

Q: What challenge exists when using a needs assessment alongside an ABCD approach?

Needs assessments are inherently deficit-focused, while ABCD emphasizes community assets, so practitioners must balance both perspectives.

Q: Why is it unrealistic to approach community development exclusively through an ABCD lens?

Most projects must identify problems to address, especially when seeking funding, so some deficit-based analysis is necessary.

Q: Are asset-based and deficit-based approaches mutually exclusive?

No. Community development planning can incorporate both community assets and community needs.

Q: Why is creative thinking still valuable in community development?

Many community development problems do not have textbook solutions, and innovative thinking remains important even with the rise of AI.

Q: What is the purpose of creating a shared vision?

It provides a common goal that all participants can support.

Q: Why should meetings focus on issues rather than people?

This helps prevent personal attacks and keeps discussions productive.

Q: Why is meeting location and timing important?

Meetings should be accessible to all members, and any inconvenience should primarily fall on the leader.

Q: How can organizations keep absent members informed?

By circulating minutes and providing follow-up communication.

Q: Why should project leaders discourage long monologues?

To prevent one participant from dominating discussions and ensure broader participation.

Q: What is the visioning stage of a project?

The phase in which participants determine what they want to accomplish.

Q: What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

A tool used to divide labour and tasks among project members.

Q: What are the triple constraints of project management?

Cost, scope, and time (schedule).

Q: What is a project?

An undertaking with a clearly defined start and end point that addresses one or more specific problems.

Q: What is a program?

A collection of related projects that does not necessarily have a clearly defined end point.

Q: How can community development practitioners reframe a problem?

By viewing projects as opportunities for innovation, discovery, and the integration of new knowledge.

Q: Why do donor agencies often prefer projects?

Projects have clearly defined goals and outcomes that can be measured and reported.

Q: What may occur during the design phase of a project?

A needs assessment may be conducted.

Q: What is the build-up phase?

A preparatory phase in which organizations may form partnerships or invite bids from external organizations.

Q: When does monitoring and evaluation begin?

During project design, although it becomes more intensive during implementation.

Q: What is monitoring?

The ongoing assessment of project activities and progress.

Q: What is evaluation?

Periodic assessment of project performance and outcomes during the project cycle.

Q: Why are monitoring and evaluation considered pillars of community development projects?

They measure performance, track progress, and support accountability and learning.

Q: What are benchmarks in project management?

Standards established during the design phase against which performance is measured.

Q: What is a baseline survey used for?

To establish initial conditions that can later be compared with project outcomes.

Q: What is a summative evaluation?

An evaluation conducted at the end of a project to assess its overall results.

Q: How should project impact be measured?

Through participatory evaluation involving community members.

Q: What is meant by “felt impact”?

The effect of a project as experienced and perceived by community members.

Q: Why are outputs often reported more than impacts?

Outputs are generally easier to measure than community impact.

Q: Why is identifying who must be at the table important?

It ensures relevant stakeholders are included in planning and decision-making.

Q: Why is a coordinating committee formed?

To oversee and organize project activities.

Q: What is the role of an outreach committee?

To engage stakeholders and promote participation.

Q: Why might a neutral outside facilitator be selected?

To support objective and unbiased discussions.

Q: Why should stakeholders be recruited during project preparation?

Their involvement strengthens legitimacy, participation, and project effectiveness.

Q: During which phase are most project costs incurred?

The implementation/ execution/ carrying-out-work phase.

Q: Approximately what proportion of project resources should typically be spent during implementation?

About two-thirds of project money and resources.

Q: How long should ideal community development projects last?

Ideally 10 to 25 years, although many projects last fewer than 5 years.

Q: What happens when one triple constraint changes?

The other two constraints are affected as well (in the same way).

Q: Why is a comprehensive work plan necessary?

It details what activities will be carried out and how the project will proceed.

Q: What information does a Gantt chart provide?

Assigned work, task breakdowns, and project deadlines.