Exercises to evaluate the lesson-learnt on PCM

According to the plan, after the publication of the bibliography, the six training modules and the tutorials , we are happy to announce that the exercises and tests to support the self-assessement of the lesson-learnt on PCm are now available in all partner languages.

As they are strongly linked to the diverse training modules, they are available close to the “view-online” and “download” option of each single module here: scroll down, open the chosen module, go to the exercise. The self-test for Module 0 takes the form of an exercise in developing a simple project action plan using the Project Cycle Management approach. This includes identifying a suitable mentor to help with understanding, and even explaining further, particular features of PCM. Then undertaking an effective needs analysis, feasibility study, and a range of other important activities needed to generate a successful proposal.

The test for the modules 1-to-5 are in the form of the multiple questionnaire, and offers the possibility to verify if you answered correctly, or what issues need an eventual review.

Do not wait any longer and verify your skills and competences on PCM.

The “module 5 – Project implementation and valorisation of results; finance and budgeting; and monitoring and evaluation” is available in free download.

The Module 5 considers the diverse issues regarding the implementation of the partnership when an application is accepted. Three areas will be considered: first, implementing the project and valorizing (that is, disseminating and exploiting) the results and outputs; second, finance and budgetary control; third, monitoring and evaluation of the project progress and outputs. The “module 5 – Project implementation and valorisation of results; finance and budgeting; and monitoring and evaluation” is available in English, French, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

The “module 4 -Submission procedures according to the guidelines of the EU Commission” is available in free download.

The Module 4 offers a deep focus on the diverse issues relatid to the proposal submission, in order to ensure a successful outcome. The materials has been organized on a three level structure: the first group of slides considers the pre-submission period with useful general and technical guidelines; the second group concerns the application procedure, with particular reference to Erasmus+ and H2020 proposals; finally, the module offers useful tips for a successful submission and external links for further information. The”module 4 -Submission procedures according to the guidelines of the EU Commission” is available in English, French, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

The “module 3 – Building an international, national and local partnership” is available in free download.

Module 3 deepens the major aspects related to the selection process and procedures regarding the building of your partnership for the project. Choosing your partners is a very important task. You will need to work with your partners for probably two or more years in the project and you need to be sure that they are reliable and will deliver on time. Obviously, there is also a matter of financial capacity as well as many other aspects, which are equally important. The “module 3 – Building an international, national and local partnership”” is available in English, French, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

Exercise Module 0

Module self tests

A primary aim of the Generativity project is to help people understand all activities, actions and practices that are needed to generate and successfully execute large, often international, projects. So the self-test for Module 0 takes the form of an exercise in developing a simple project action plan using the Project Cycle Management approach. This includes identifying a suitable mentor to help with understanding, and even explaining further, particular features of PCM. Then undertaking an effective needs analysis, feasibility study, and a range of other important activities needed to generate a successful proposal.

The principle of Generativity is based on the idea of users being able to create, generate, implement or produce new material based on knowledge derived from other, more experienced, people. So we encourage you to start being generative by finding a partner/ mentor. When you have completed the exercise, consult with your mentor for further hints, tips and constructively critical comments.

You can also use the exercise to self-assess what is needed for a successful application and to gauge where you stand on your passage from trainee to experienced user. Once you are suitably experienced you can also mentor others on using the Generativity platform.

You should remember that the self-assessment tool is for your own benefit only; your work will not be evaluated. Working through this exercise will give you an opportunity to try out different approaches and to experience some of the issues you are likely to confront when preparing for, developing, and implementing a successful project proposal.

1. To start, choose from one of the following topics:
. organise a party with your friends
→ consider the nature of the party and the neighbourhood
. organise a surprise party for someone special
→ consider communication between all those involved
→ the logistics of getting everything together at the same time
. organise a dinner at your place
→ consider ‘supply and demand’ – who likes to eat what, are there any special needs?
. organise a small group vacation
→ consider the process / vacation likes and dislikes / the relevance of difference steps
. organise a public event to let others know about your achievements
→ consider the transferability and sustainability of your event

2. Having selected a topic, you should
– start with a definition of your idea, I.e. the subject / issue you want to address in your proposal. Complete a SWOT analysis (ref. Module 2)
– identify the major problems faced by the target groups and beneficiaries (i.e.: what is/are the problem/s? Whose problems?) (ref: slide 15)
– visualize the problems / aspects of the problem you want to address in the form of a diagram called a “problem tree” or “hierarchy of problems”. The “problem tree” will help you to analyse and clarify the cause–effect relationships. (ref: slides 14 & 15)
– visualize problems and causes in graphic form: the effects of a problem at the top and its causes at the bottom
→ A problem analysis provides a sound foundation on which to develop a set of relevant and focused objectives for the subsequent “project tree”. The objectives are the solutions to the previously identified problems.
– structure your findings in term of overall objectives, project purposes, expected results and activities, and make sure they offer a solution to the problems identified.
→ clearly identify your priorities
→ select your objectives one by one and complete a SMART matrix
– Transfer your findings into a logical framework structure. When you have completed the Log frame, check that the objectives are:
→ clear
→ linked to the overall project objective in a coherent way
→ all key assumptions have been made
– based on the previous steps, add operational details to the project design:
→ draw up the activity table
→ identify and assign tasks and sub-tasks
→ define time, start, duration and performances for each task and sub-task
→ create a Gantt chart to visualize the sequence and the interdependence of activities / tasks
→ complete the expenditure schedule

3. budget exercise
. Specify the required resources (ref: module 5)
→ assign resources to the different spending categories
→ Specify units and quantities
→ Evaluate unit costs
→ Identify sources of funding
→ Assign spending codes
→ Schedule costs per period
→ Calculate the total
→ Estimate the costs for project sustainability

The “module 2 – How to structure an innovative and sustainable project idea” is available in free download.

The Module 2 will guide you to deep the process and the “how to” structure an innovative and sustainable project idea. It includes considerations regarding the analysis of the logical structure of the project intervention using the Project Cycle Management itself. Module 2 is focused on the process of project development: from need analysis to SWOT matrix; from the design of the objectives under the SMART matrix, to the development of an innovative, sustainable, effective project idea. The “module 2 – How to structure an innovative and sustainable project idea” is available in English, French, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

Evaluation required

Following the progress of the implementation, and in conformity with what you have read in the slides, it comes the moment for the evaluation. we therefore invite you to fill in the evaluation questionnaire of the tutorials that you find here ….

We thank you in advance for your attention and time: your indications are precious for us to improve the quality of our training outputs.

The “module 1 – Financial and programmatic priorities of the EU2020 strategy within various programs” is available in free download.

This “module 1 – Financial and programmatic priorities of the EU2020 strategy within various programs” deals with financial and programmatic priorities of the EU2020 strategy within various programs. It offers a detailed overview for the factors we need to consider before approaching EU funds; it explores various issues concerning the ways of selecting an appropriate EU funding programme. The “module 1 – Financial and programmatic priorities of the EU2020 strategy within various programs” is available in English, Frenche, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

The “module 0 -things to know when applying for EU funds” is available in free download.

We are happy to announce that the “Module 0 – Things to know when applying for EU funds” is now available in free download from the dedicated section of this platform. The module provides an introduction to the all other Generativity modules and to the basic concept, principles and praxis of Project Cycle Management (PCM) which is being used as an essential tool for EU project management success. The “Module 0 – Things to know when applying for EU funds” is available in English, Frenche, Italian, Polish, Greek and Dutch. The module in download is accessible here.

Exercise Module 5