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RE: Do Big Projects Deliver Effective Solutions in a Complex World?

Mr. Imtiaz Imtiaz Muhammad Ayub

Pakistan

Mr. Imtiaz Imtiaz Muhammad Ayub

CEO and Founder

RECS-Research, Evaluaiton and Consultancy Services

Posted on 25/04/2025

I worked as Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist on USAID large scale project. The management style significantly influences the success of large projects. In the case of the FATA Livelihood Development Project, which had a budget of $750 million, the focus on micro-management led to overlooking the broader objectives. USAID's tolerance for this approach lasted two and a half years before they decided to terminate the project prematurely.

Key Factors Affecting Project Success:

Management Style: A top-down, micro-management approach can hinder innovation and responsiveness to local needs, ultimately affecting project outcomes.

Complexity of Large Projects: Large-scale initiatives often involve multiple stakeholders, making coordination and communication critical yet challenging.

Value for Money: Ensuring that funds are used effectively is a constant struggle, as the complexities of project execution can lead to inefficiencies and waste.

Sustainability: Projects must not only deliver immediate results but also create lasting benefits for the communities they serve, which requires careful planning and execution.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with local communities, government entities, and other partners is essential for achieving project goals and ensuring buy-in.