Project Information Management Systems for NGOs Training Course: Building and managing PIMS for development projects

Introduction

Optimize the impact and accountability of your development initiatives with our "Project Information Management Systems (PIMS) for NGOs" training course. In the complex world of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), effective data management is crucial for transparent reporting, efficient resource allocation, and demonstrating tangible results to donors and beneficiaries. This intensive 10-day program equips NGO professionals with the knowledge and practical skills to design, implement, and manage robust PIMS tailored for development projects. Learn to capture, organize, analyze, and disseminate critical project data, ensuring better decision-making, enhanced compliance, and ultimately, more successful and impactful humanitarian and development work.

Duration

10 Days

Target Audience

This course is essential for project managers, program officers, M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) specialists, data managers, IT/IS personnel, country directors, and anyone involved in data collection, management, and reporting for development or humanitarian projects within non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and international non-profits. It is particularly beneficial for those who:

  • Struggle with disorganized project data and inefficient reporting.
  • Need to improve data quality, consistency, and accessibility.
  • Aim to enhance accountability and transparency to donors and stakeholders.
  • Want to leverage data for better project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Seek to implement or improve digital tools for project information management.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Project Information Management Systems for NGOs" training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental role and benefits of Project Information Management Systems (PIMS) in NGO operations.
  • Identify key data needs and information flows across the project lifecycle in development contexts.
  • Apply best practices for data collection, storage, and management in line with NGO standards.
  • Design and customize a PIMS framework suitable for their organization's specific development projects.
  • Implement robust data quality assurance mechanisms and ensure data integrity.
  • Utilize PIMS for effective project planning, monitoring progress, and evaluating impact.
  • Understand data privacy, security, and ethical considerations in NGO data management.
  • Select and leverage appropriate technologies and tools for PIMS implementation.
  • Develop clear reporting dashboards and generate compelling data-driven reports for various stakeholders.
  • Formulate a comprehensive action plan for building or enhancing a PIMS within their NGO.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Project Information Management Systems (PIMS) for NGOs

  • What is a PIMS? Definition, purpose, and key components in an NGO context.
  • The critical role of information management in humanitarian and development projects.
  • Benefits of a robust PIMS: Improved decision-making, accountability, transparency, efficiency.
  • Challenges of information management in NGOs: Data silos, limited capacity, diverse data needs.
  • Overview of PIMS across the project lifecycle (design, implementation, M&E, reporting).

Module 2: Project Data Needs and Information Flow Mapping

  • Identifying essential data points across different project phases (baseline, activities, outputs, outcomes).
  • Mapping information flows: From data collection to reporting and decision-making.
  • Understanding data requirements for different stakeholders (donors, beneficiaries, government, internal management).
  • Differentiating between qualitative and quantitative data needs.
  • Designing a data inventory and data dictionary for your projects.

Module 3: PIMS Design Principles and Frameworks

  • Designing a user-centric PIMS: Ease of use, accessibility, relevance.
  • Scalability and flexibility: Designing a PIMS that can grow with your projects.
  • Integration with other systems: Accounting, HR, logistics (conceptual).
  • Centralized vs. decentralized data management approaches.
  • Developing a PIMS architecture that aligns with organizational structure and project types.

Module 4: Data Collection Tools and Methodologies

  • Overview of various data collection methods: Surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations.
  • Digital data collection tools: KoboToolbox, ODK, SurveyCTO, CommCare.
  • Designing effective data collection forms and questionnaires for PIMS input.
  • Training data collectors and ensuring data quality at the source.
  • Best practices for managing large-scale data collection campaigns.

Module 5: Data Storage, Organization, and Management

  • Principles of effective data storage: Centralization, accessibility, version control.
  • Database management basics for non-technical users.
  • File naming conventions and folder structures for project documents.
  • Cloud-based storage solutions and their advantages for NGOs.
  • Ensuring data backup and recovery protocols.

Module 6: Data Quality Assurance and Validation

  • The importance of data quality: Accuracy, completeness, consistency, timeliness.
  • Implementing data validation rules and checks at the point of entry.
  • Data cleaning techniques: Identifying and correcting errors.
  • Data de-duplication and standardization.
  • Establishing data quality roles and responsibilities within the project team.

Module 7: PIMS for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

  • Leveraging PIMS for real-time project monitoring dashboards.
  • Tracking progress against indicators and targets.
  • Using PIMS for M&E data analysis and trend identification.
  • Facilitating learning from project data for adaptive management.
  • Integrating PIMS with MEAL frameworks for continuous improvement.

Module 8: Data Privacy, Security, and Ethical Considerations

  • Understanding data privacy principles in development work (e.g., informed consent, anonymity).
  • Data protection regulations relevant to NGOs (e.g., GDPR principles for sensitive beneficiary data).
  • Data security best practices: Access control, encryption, physical security.
  • Ethical guidelines for data collection, storage, and sharing in vulnerable communities.
  • Developing a data sharing protocol for your NGO.

Module 9: Reporting and Visualization for Impact

  • Designing compelling project reports using PIMS data.
  • Data visualization best practices: Charts, graphs, maps to tell a story.
  • Tailoring reports for different audiences (donors, board, local communities).
  • Creating automated dashboards for key project metrics.
  • Techniques for effective data storytelling to demonstrate impact and value.

Module 10: PIMS Implementation and Sustaining Best Practices & Action Plan

  • Steps for planning and implementing a PIMS within an NGO.
  • Change management strategies for successful PIMS adoption by staff.
  • Training and capacity building for PIMS users.
  • Maintaining and updating the PIMS over time.
  • Personalized action plan: Outlining steps to build or improve a PIMS for a specific project or program within your NGO.

 

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Project Information Management Systems For Ngos training Course: Building And Managing Pims For Development Projects in Viet Nam
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