Project Planning in Bangladesh PDF

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Summary

Table of Contents Abbreviations................................................................................................ Abstract, Introduction, Objective of Study, Methodology ............................................. Project Management, project planning, Project Management in Bangladesh...

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Table of Contents Abbreviations……………………………………………………………………………………2 Abstract, Introduction, Objective of Study, Methodology …………………………………...…3 Project Management, project planning, Project Management in Bangladesh …………………..4 Constitutional Provision, Planning Process in Bangladesh……………………………………...5 Institutional Mechanism for Project Planning and Development Management…………………8 Nexus among All Institution in Project Planning, Ministry of Planning………………………..11 Planning Commission: The Apex Planning Agency in Bangladesh…………………………….12 Historical Perspective of Five Years Plan in Bangladesh, ADP………………………………...16 Current Status of Bangladesh……………………………………………...…………………….18 Government Targets and Projects...........................................................................................…...19 Impediments of Project Planning in Bangladesh…………………………………………………25 Measures to Overcome………………………………………………………………...…………27 Conclusion..............................................................................................................................…...28 References………………………………………………………………………………………..29

List of Figures

Figure 1: Planning Process in Bangladesh……………………………………………………5 Figure 2: Institutional linkage of Planning Commission…………………………………….12 Figure 3: Structure of Ministry of Planning………………...………………………………..13 Figure 4: Structure of Planning Commission in Bangladesh…………………………..……14 Figure 5: Formulation Process of ADP………………………………………………………18 Figure 6: ADP implementation trend…………………………………………………………19

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Abbreviations ADP Annual Development Programme FY Fiscal year IMED Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation division GOB Government of Bangladesh PC Planning Commission NEC National economic council ECNEC Executive committee of the national economic council MDG Millennium Development Goals SDG Sustainable Development Goals

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Project Planning and Development management process in Bangladesh: Challenges and Measures to overcome

Abstract: Bangladesh is a developing country, where there is large number of development programs and where there is very little success accomplished from these programs. This paper purposes to study structure, planning and managing process of development projects in Bangladesh. It unpicks the institutional insufficiencies and challenges in planning and managing procedure. Creating a project plan is the first thing that ought to do when embarked on any kind of project. Various public organizations are continually seeking ways to make projects successfully implemented effectively and efficiently. Successful implementation of project is vital for socioeconomic development of the developing countries like Bangladesh. Likewise, from project planning to implementation, Bangladesh, as a developing country, faces very serious problems. The study shows functions and limitations of different public organization which are responsible for policy planning and implementation.

1.1 Introduction: Project planning and successful implementation of project is vigorous for socioeconomic development of the developing countries like Bangladesh. In the era of development management “Project Management” play a crucial role with a view of attaining development goals, developing countries are facing complex problems that require appropriate solutions. The planning and managing development projects have been considered as one of the foremost dilemmas in developing countries like Bangladesh. Bangladesh is now suffering from serious objections in implementation of developing projects claimed by World Bank, International Monetary fund and other development partners.

1.2 Objectives of the study: The objective of the study isTo diagnose the existing scenario of Project Planning Process in Bangladesh. To identify the key indicators and institutional barriers affecting the planning and managing development projects. To know the functions of various planning making and implementation agency. To identify problems and prospects of Project Management in Bangladesh. 1.3 Methodology: To prepare this assignment, I mainly used secondary sources of data. LikeJournals, Websites, Published Books & related articles. 1.4 Limitations: When I prepare this assignment I faced some complications, such as limited time, technical problem and practical problem depending on secondary sources, lack of information etc. but this limitation does not effect in my assignment.

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An Overview of Project Planning: 2.1 What Is Project: The word Project originates from the Latin word projicere, which means to throw forth, Imagination, A notion. A project is an activity to meet the creation of a unique product or service and thus activities that are undertaken to accomplish routine activities cannot be considered projects. A Project is a temporary, unique and progressive attempt or endeavor made to produce some kind of a tangible or intangible result (a unique product, service, benefit, competitive advantage, etc.). It usually includes a series of interrelated tasks that are planned for execution over a fixed period of time and within certain requirements and limitations such as cost, quality, performance, others What is Project Management? Project management is the practice of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at the specified time. https://www.managementstudyguide.com/project-management.htm Project Management can be defined as a process to achieve the project objectives within time, within the allocated cost, at the desired performance / technology level utilizing the assigned resources effectively and efficiently. (Aminuzzaman, 1992)

What is project planning? Project planning is a procedural step in project management, where required documentation is created to ensure successful project completion. Documentation includes all actions required to define, prepare, integrate and coordinate additional plans. The project plan clearly defines how the project is executed, monitored, controlled and closed. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_planning Project planning is part of project management, which relates to the use of schedules such as Gantt charts to plan and subsequently report progress within the project environment. Project planning is a discipline for stating how to complete a project within a certain timeframe, usually with defined stages, and with designated resources. 3.1 Project Management in Bangladesh Bangladesh is one of the poorest nations of the world. Which is highly dependent on foreign aid even for its mere survival. Most of the development programs and projects in our country are managed by government machinery. The government of Bangladesh (GOB) oversees the development projects through its Annual development programs (ADP).This powerful instrument of project management of GOB is used since the Pakistan period. In 1956 a Provincial Planning Board was established under the United Front Government of the then East Pakistan and was renamed as East Pakistan Planning Department. It was an agency for formulating investment programs and for negotiating with the Central Government of Pakistan for an adequate share of the financial resources for the development of East Pakistan. Bangladesh

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Government in exile during the war of independent in 1971 established a Planning Cell, which was an embryonic start of the present Planning Commission. The GOB upgraded the planning department into planning commission in 1972.Now planning commission is the central planning agency in Bangladesh.

3.1.2 Constitutional Provision According to the Article 15, the ‘planned economic growth’ is a constitutional obligation for the Government of Bangladesh. It shall be a fundamental responsibility of the state to attain through planned economic growth, a constant increase of productive forces and a steady improvement in the material and cultural standard of living of the people, with a view to securing to its citizens – (a) the provision of the basic necessities of life, including food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care. 4.1 Planning Process in Bangladesh: In the process of policy making in Bangladesh, Planning Commission plays a significant role. The Planning Commission through Annual Development Plans and the Five year plans, translate the ideas, aspirations and the commitment of the government ((Aminuzzaman, 1996). National planning of a country is an endeavor to reach the socio-economic goal of a country. There are some compulsory tactics to invent and put into operation of the plan. In Bangladesh at first the project planning is approved in National parliament, and then it is sent to National Economic Council (NEC). NEC finalizes and approves the plan and then it is launched to ECNEC for ultimate approving. From ECNEC, the plan goes to Ministry of Planning which helps to formulation and implementation of policies and also reviews the impact on the economy. Ministry of Planning has four Divisions namely, Economic Relations Division (ERD), Planning Commission, Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), Statistical Division and Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) is under Statistical Division. Parliament

National Economic Council

ECNEC

Ministry of Planning

Figure 1: Planning Process in Bangladesh

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Case Study A:

Name of the Project: Construction of Dhaka Central Jail at Kashimpur under Gazipur District

Administrative ministry/ division: Ministry of Home Affairs

Executing Agency: Directorate of prisons and Public Works Department

Location of the project: At Gazipur

Implementation Period:

Date of commencement:

Original: July1995

Latest revise: July1995

Actual: July1995

Date of completion:

Original: June 2002

Latest revised: June 2010

Actual: June 2010

Time overrun % of original time: 114%

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Cost:

Original: 12941.56 Lakh Taka

Latest revise: 18121.27 lakh Taka

Actual expenditure: 18121.27lakh Taka

Cost overrun % of original cost: 40%.

[Causes of revision:

Non availability of fund in proper time. So project period needed to be increased

2. Cost increase, Schedule of rate

3. 200 bed hospital would automatically provide prison cell and specialized unit....scope Of the work changed.]

For Instance, Now it's turn to discourse about the background of this project and to relate to the theoretical framework of project planning process in Bangladesh. By and large we know that planning commission (PC) is interconnected with various department of government and organizations of non-government thus they collect information from all over Bangladesh both rural and urban areas and find out the need for the welfare of people and discuss with the line ministry to take action that means submit project proposal to the parliament here the line ministry in this project is "Ministry of Home Affairs". By the information’s of planning commission or it can be election manifesto (in this case it wasn't manifesto) PC found that there is need a central jail and thus PC informed the ministry of home and affairs. So, it's clear that minister of Ministry of Home and affairs proposed his proposal to the parliament and passed by the parliament.it wasn't the end of process then this project handed to the NEC, then to ECNEC, then to the ministry of planning and to the others agency I will discuss about the process below.

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5.1 Institutional Mechanism for Project Planning and Development Management

National planning is one of the most crucial step for developing country to reach a developed country. Effective planning is very important because our resources is limited. There are various government organizations which are responsible for planning and development management in our country. Such as: National Parliament, National economic council, Executive committee of the national economic council (ECNEC), Ministry of Planning , Planning commission, Economic relations division (ERD) , Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

5.1.2 National parliament

Although directions of planning in Bangladesh came from different political parties but through National parliament it is included in state framework. Planning data comes in parliament from different sources. The sources are including Election Manifesto, Statistical Division, Local Administration, Media etc. Each Government provides commitments of development activities to the people before election. After election, this manifesto becomes the source of different project planning. Statistical Division conducts survey to know various problems. Besides, Local Administration is an important source of information or problems of grassroots level. Local Government level employees are Government nominated and Public Representatives are in Local Self Government Units. They provide information on local problems and of local people. They provide reports to Planning Commission. Besides, other sources including Research organizations, Research reports, Transparency International Bangladesh, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) etc.

For instance, “According to the project as I mentioned earlier was passed by the parliament first, was proposed by line Ministry of Home and Affairs”

5.1.3 National economic council

The National economic council (NEC) is the apex authoritative body of the nation and premier political authority to make plan (MoP, 2010). Prime Minister is the main authorized person of this council and Members are Ministries of the council of ministers (MoP, 2010) Generally, the ministries formulate their respective plans and programmes or projects, as per objectives formulated by the NEC. The NEC meets when called by the prime minister, and meetings can include external invitees dependent on the subject under consideration. NEC provides overall supervision at the stage of Five year plans, annual development programmes and economic policies. It finalizes and approves plans, programmes and policies. It also reviews of how the development projects are implementing properly.

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For instance “As we know after passing any project from parliament it goes to NEC and the project I mentioned earlier was the same. NEC generally analyzes the project whether it has rationality or not if it gets then the project goes to the ECNEC”

5.1.4 Executive committee of the national economic council (ECNEC)

ECNEC is the guiding agency for implementation of the policies decided by National Economic Council. It is the uppermost level in the nation, which approves the individual project and is the definitive approving authority. It has authority to review the projects that are reported by Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED).

For instance ‘ECNEC has the absolute authority for reviewing any project. Such as, it can add anything from the project. Ultimate finalize is the duty of ECNEC. When it thinks that the project is perfect to go on then they referred the project to the Ministry of Planning.’

5.1.5 Ministry of Planning

Ministry of Planning plays an authoritative role in planning and development related policy making practice. Planning Minister is chief of the Ministry. Planning Ministry is composed of Planning Division, Economic Relations Division, Planning Commission, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), and Statistical Division.

For instance “Here is the multifarious situation, the 4 divisions have particular role. Let's come to the point of Planning commission both the planning and implementing role played by this division. The main focus of the ERD is to manage, plan marshal and settle on allotment of external assistance in relation to the country’s development programme priorities. Now let's have look at the project what I mentioned before it was funded by government itself so their waste any role of ERD”

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5.1.6 Planning commission

The cabinet decision in establishing the Planning Commission laid down ten functions for Planning Commission. The Prime Minister is the Chairman of Planning commission. By means of the planned development for the country, the Bangladesh Planning Commission was established in January 1972 (Chowdhury, 1988). At policy level, it decides the targets, intentions, main concerns, tactics and policy measures for development plans. It makes out the role of different economic sectors is mandatory to practice in the framework of the plan intention.

For instance “In this phase planning commission mainly plays the role that how to implement the planned projects, Thus it made specific plan for the project that will be started soon, and manage the financial matter also. It handed the responsibility of implementation to other government agency as we saw before. In the project what I mentioned before was done by Directorate of prisons and Public Works Department but planning commission closely supervise their daily actions related to the projects”

5.1.7 Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED)

IMED is the inner and climax institution of the country. Project implementation bureau (PIB) was created in 1975. It was renamed as implementation monitoring and evaluation division (IMED) in the early 1980’s under Ministry of Planning (Majid, 2008). The Rules of Business of the Government allocated the functions of the IMED. They are including to scrutinize assess the implementation of development projects included in the Annual development Programme (ADP). For information of the President, NEC, ECNEC Ministries and other concerned, IMED accumulates and assemblage the project judicious data for preparing quarterly, yearly and monthly progress report. It provides different advisory and consultancy services to Ministries/ Agencies which are relating to implementation of project. It conducts field inspections of project implementation for identifying the problems and reports to the President and Concerned Ministers. IMED plays a vital role in project formulation to project implementation.

5.1.8 Committee system in project planning

There are a number of committees for project planning at the agency level, ministry level and national level. They are including Project Evaluation Committees (PEC) in Planning Commission for examining Planning Proposals and advocating them to the Minister-in-Charge of Planning or the ECNEC for their sanction.

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For instance ‘Various committee on project planning evaluate the planning proposal’

5.1.9 Nexus among All Institution in Project Planning:

NEC/ECNEC

BBS

Finance Division Planning Commission

Ministries/ Divisions

Economic Relation Division

IMED

Internal Resources Division

BIDS

Planning and Development Academy

Figure 2: Institutional linkage of Planning Commission

6.1 Ministry of Planning

The Ministry of planning oversees the financial policies of the GOB, responsible for socioeconomic planning and statistics management .It contains three divisions. Such as, 1) Planning Division 2) Statistics and Informatics Division 3) Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division

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6.1.1 Structure of Ministry of Planning:

Ministry of Planning

Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED)

Planning Division

Administration

Statistics

NEC, ECNEC

Figure 3: Structure of Ministry of Planning