Publications

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Planning of Lao PDR to deliver an intensive training program on Project Monitoring and Evaluation. The training program was tailored make for monitoring and evaluating ODA Projects in Lao PDR. The training program was co designed by the MI and Dr. Savengkith Phommahack, Deputy Team Leader. The training aimed to develop participants' capacity to design, plan and implement effective monitoring and evaluation missions or assignments especially on projects which received funding from international donors.

Seventeen Government Officials who are directly involved in Aid Management participated in the training; Ten from six divisions of DIC, two from Infrastructure Sub-Working Group and five from Macro SWG. Ten of the participants are female.

Mr. Bouasavath Inthavanh Deputy Director General of DIC and Mr. Sysomphorn Phetdaoheuang, project Manger of Enhancing Aid Effectiveness Project, and Dr. Savengkith Phommhak, Deputy team Leader of the Project were actively participated in the training as local resource persons and provided much needed case studies, Lao ODA context, past experiences and good practices throughout the training course.

Four sub-projects under the North-South Economic corridor Development Project were used as case studies fro participants to practice developing Design and Monitoring Framework, reviewing Project Administration memorandum, planning project monitoring and evaluation , conclusion and recommendations and using lessons learned for future project design and planning.

Different M&E tools were employed during the course including Mood Barometer, suggestion box, feed backing, focused group discussion, end-of-workshop evaluation and plan to action. The evaluation results show that participants are satisfied with the training contents, methodologies and the competence of resource persons. Case studies, exercises and simulations are relevant and applicable to their works. Several participants recommended that a follow up workshop be organized after a six-month application period to share lessons learned and good practices and learn more  in-depth using M7E methods and tools.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by the Thailand International development Coorperation Agency to conduct a ten-day training course on "Post harvest Practices: Experiences and Best Practices in Israel and Thailand" from 28 March to 8 April 2011. The course was held at the MI residential Training Facility in Khon Kaen with two structured learning visits in Nakhon Pathom and Pathum Thani provinces of Thailand.

The training course was designed and delivered using modular training approach, of which, all participants went through three progressive stages: a) "Learn to do" training on concepts, technique and tools: b) "Do to learn"- participants are required to apply what they have learned in their work assignment with proper coaching from assigned advisers; and c) "Share to learn"- participants will have an opportunity to present their group works/ findings and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.

There were two resource persons, who contributed to the design and delivery to the lectures, workshops and structured learning visits, namely; Dr Yoram Fuchs and Dr Ron Porat of the Agricultural Research Organization, Ministry of Agriculture, State of Israel.

The training course was comprised of five interrelated modules. Module 1 on "Overview of Post harvest management" introduced the participants to the importance of post harvest handling and management. Module 2 on " Pre-harvest and Harvest Factors Affecting Post harvest Quality" deepened the knowledge on the product quality and how such can be effectively maintained as products move from one distribution point to anothe rto ensure product safety. Module 3 on "Physiological and Chemical Processes in Harvested Commodities" introduced the physiological and chemical processes that take place during the shelf-life of harvested produce.Module 4 on "Post harvest Technologies" illustrated advanced technologies which included both chemical and non-chemical treatments to prolong the shelf-life of perishale commodities. Module 5 on "Indigenous Postharvest Practices" demonstrated post harvest practices which were proven effective in less-developed counters.

Two structured learning visits were organized for the participants in this course; their understading of the program's contents was enhanced through different appreciation visits and interaction with enterprises at the SWIFT Company in Nakhon Pathom province and the Talaad Thai wholesale Market in Pathum Thani province.

The evaluations conducted throughout the course confirmed that the objectives were achieved and the learning program was successful. Most of the participants were very satisfied with the program as shown in the total average rating by participants on the usefulness of the learning program at 4.69 and the overall assessment at "4.96". Using a scale of 1 to 5, this indicated that participants found the training program "very useful" and were "very satisfied" with the program contents and overall training management.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Smallholder Development Project (SHDP) and Mekong Institute (MI) agreed to collaborate on a specific project to develop partnership and promote cooperation between the two parties. A four-day structured learning visit on "Rice Production Value Chain in Northeast, Thailand" was conducted from 26 to 29 January 2011 for twenty-three (23) Lao government officials, rice Structured Learning Visit aims to study the Rice production Chain as well as study the roles of Rice Seed Center, Central Market, and Private/Cooperative Rice mills in the value chain.

Two MI facilitators were involved in organizing the program, facilitating discussions, and sharing experiences with the participants. The participants visited four places in Khon Kaen province and one place in Roi Et province, Thailand in order to enhance their understanding on the program contents and to apply the principles, processes, structures, and best practices learned during the entire visit. At the end of the Structured Learning Visit, the participants presented their reflections on the visit.

The results of the evaluation showed that the Structured Learning Visit was successful both in terms of program design and contents, and overall organization and management. However, there was a suggestion for improvement on the need for resource persons to elaborate and explain more on how to identify, analyze and solve the problems after the field visit presentations of the participants.

The participants also indicated further training needs on expanding rice seed work into private sector as well as establishment of cooperative group. Specifically, the participants expressed the need to acquire advanced technical training on maize production, marketing channel, quality control services and management. The participants also mentioned that the involvement of financial providers is important and the staff from those organizations should be included in the program.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong institute conducted a ten-day training program on "Integrated Water Resources Management for the Mekong" for eight Junior Riparian Professionals from line agencies of National Mekong Committees of the four lower Mekong Countries. The program, which was carried out from 4 to 14 January 2011, aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills related to water resource management n the context of Mekong Cooperation. The topics covered integrated water resource management principles, water resources management functions, basin planning and decision support framework, development potentials in the lower Mekong Basin, and key water resources management issues.

The use of participatory approaches and a strong focus on practical knowledge were highlighted in teh course. Likewise, two structured learning visits were included in the program, one on Pak Mun Dam and another on kaen Lawa Watland Management, to give the participants some insights on the various problems involved in the planning and implementation some insights on the various problems involved in the planning and implementation of hydro power projects and water management n Thailand.

The participants evaluated the course as successful and provided some recommendations for training improvement. participants mainly proposed that duration of the training course should be extended to 3 weeks to have enough time for field visits and internalizing classroom training modules. The approaches and training methods employed such as the use of lecture, group discussion and presentation, video, and field works were highly appreciated by the participants and they suggested continuing its use as they found those methods an integral part of their leaning experience.

The training curriculum, contents and methodologies were co-designed with the MRC Integrated Capacity Building Programme.

Written by Mekong Institute

This Project Management Learning Program was co-designed and delivered by the GMS Phnom Penh Plan for Development Management(PPP) and the Mekong Institute (MI). The program was conducted from19-30 April 2010 at the Mekong Institute Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand. Based on the lessons learned and recommendations from the 2009 Project Management Learning Program participants and with the concurrence of GMS PPP Team Leader, the curriculum was revised to focus more on the first two stages of Project management, i.e. Project Imitation and Mobilization. The objectives of this learning program were to expose participants to modern concepts and tools used in project design, planning and mobilization in the context of GMS cooperation and integration.

Sixteen government officials (four women and twelve men) from five GMS countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) participated in the program. Participants came from junior to middle level positions from a wide variety of ministries.

The program was designed and taught by a team of four experienced trainers:2 PPP's commissioned project management experts and two MI faculty members. The results of evaluation show that the trainers were qualified, experienced and employed effective training delivery methods.

The learning program explored the fundamental nature of project management experts and two MI faculty members. The results of evaluation show that the trainers were qualified, experienced and employed effective training delivery methods.The overall results of program evaluation show that participants were highly satisfied with the learning contents and methodologies.

The learning program explored the fundamental nature of project and introduced a comprehensive project management framework. It also covered the definition and typologies of a project, the project cycle, componens of project management and the nature and the role of the project team. The development context within which project operates and special issues in project design, implementation and monitoring were deliberated. The overall results of program evaluation show that participants were highly satisfied with the learning contents and methodologies.

Integrated or Meta-curriculum was employed in designing and delivering the learning program. Salient features of this curriculum are tat project design and planning competencies are carefully selected project management concept is integrated with skill practice and essential knowledge is learned to support e performance of skills, and above all, the functional competencies like team and communication skills, information management and facilitation and networking) are integrated across the curriculum.

Written by Mekong Institute

The MI was commissioned by InWEnt-Capacity Building International, Germany to conduct an eight-day structured learning vsit program on "Income Generation and SME Models" in Danang City and Hoi An of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam from 23 to 30 May 2010 for twenty-seven government officials of Stung Treng Province in Cambodia. The structured Learning Visit aims to study Income Generation Models via Crop Production and Animal Raising as well as study SMEs and how to manage SME activities in Danang and Hoi An City, Vietnam.

Three MI facilitators were involved in organization the program, facilitating discussions and sharing experiences with the a participants. The participants visited six places in Danang City and 3 places in Hoi An City of Quang Nam Province, Vietnam to enhance their best practices learned during the entire visit. At the end of the SLV, the participants presented their reflections on the visit and developed individual/group action plans for their respective communities.

The results of the evaluation showed that the SLV was successful both in terms of program design and contents, and overall organization and management. However, recommendations for improvement were provided in order to meet the needs of participants in Stung Treng province. Specifically, the participants expressed the need to acquire advanced technical training on poultry raising, fish culture, integrated farming and food order to enhance and diversify their income sources and provide employment opportunities in their respective communities.

Written by Mekong Institute

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to organize a regional workshop and structured learning visits on "Community-based collaboration with Hue Tourism College, Lao National Tourism Administration , Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand.

Eighteen government officials, private sector and civil society personnel from Yunan Province of the People's Republic of China, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the workshop.

The purpose of the workshop was to assess the challenges and opportunities in product development, planning, promotion and management of CBET. It aimed to enhance the capacity of provincial authorities in developing and managing CBET, raise awareness and promote the preservation of the sub-region's irreplaceable resources, and strengthen sub-regional cooperation and network.

Four officials designed by their respective counties and one resource person delivered lectures and facilitated discussions.

The program comprised of four inter-related modules. Module 1"Basic concept of CBET and Linkage to Poverty Reduction and Biodiversity Protection" introduced national polices, programs and action plans on CBET as well as related inernational and regional practices. Module 2"CBET Product Development" guided participants in the conduct of feasibility assessment effectively and efficiently. It likewise examined the degree and extent of involvement of local communities. Module 2 "CBET Planning and Promotion" discussed the supply and demand factors for CBET and introduced CBET tools. Module 4 "CBET Management" trained participants to monitor the impacts of CBET on local communities and the practices fro sustainable development. In this module, the participants shared knowledge on strengthening multi-sector cooperation among stakeholders involved in CBET.

Three structured leaning visits were organized in Vietnam, Lao PDR, and Thailand to enhance the participants' understanding and help them to apply the acquired knowledge.

The evaluations of the workshop show that the program accomplished its objectives and met the participants' expectations. Networking, gaining knowledge of CBEt trend in the GMS and practices, differences in managing CBET in the GMS, site visits, and a better understanding of the contribution of CBET to poverty alleviation were highlighted as the most significant learning in the workshop. Recommendations and suggestions were also made to improve the workshop.

Written by Mekong Institute

In WEnt and Mekong Institute join their respective experiences in the Mekong region, in particular in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam in an effort to promote capacity building in Integrated Rural Development through innovative Regional Management Programme. The ultimate aim of this cooperation is to enhance capacity of local government officials, members of local business associations, NGOs and people organizations in designing, implementing and monitoring local economc development in their region.

The Mekong Institute is an intergovernmenal organization institute chartered to provide capacity building activities for governemnt officials, members of private enterprises and civil society involved in the development of the Mekong Countries. MI works closely with the governments of the Mekong countires in designing and delivering high quality and relevant human resource development programs indentifies by the stakeholders. The mandate of the MI includes serving Mekong Region focused HRD needsm promoting regional cooperation, networking, and partnerships.

InWEnt- Capacity Building International, Germany, is a non-profit organization with worldwide operatons dedicated to human resource development, advanced training, and dialogue.Our capacity building programmes are directed at experts and executives from politics, administraton, the business community, and civil society. We are commissioned by the German Federal government to assist with the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals of the UN. In addition, we provide the German business sector wth support for public private partnership projects. Through exchange programmes, InWEnt also offers young people from Germany the opportunity to gain professional experience abroad.

This training-of-trainers course was designed and delivered as one of the REgional management Training module for "Trainers" of Regional Management Programme in Cambodia and Lao PDR. Twenty eight trainers of six InWEnt local partners and MI participated in the training programme held at the MI Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen Thailand on 21-25 June 2010. Dr. Blesilda Calub of the University of the Philippines, Lospanos, Mr. Jurgen Lehmann of Trainingtool, Germany, and Dr. Suchat Katima of MI co-facilitated the training course.

Written by Mekong Institute

The 5th Regional Research Development and Methodology Training Course was conducted at MI Residential Training Center, Mekong Institute, Khon Kaen, Thailand on 3 to 21 May 2010. The training course was designed and delivered using modular training approach where participants went through three progressive stages: a) Learn to do the participants were provided knowledge on concepts, techniques and tools to be employed; b) Do to learn the participants apply what they learn in their work assignments with proper coaching from assigned advisors; and c) Share to learn participants get an opportunity to present their group works/findings and share their learning experiences and lessons learned.

Upon completion of the three-week training course, all participants developed a research proposal that incorporates the knowledge and skills acquired on problem identification, defining research objectives, formulating research hypotheses and developing a conceptual/theoretical framework. A concrete research plan for the sub-regional research, with accompanying work plan and budgetary requirements, was also prepared.

Twenty government/non-government officers from five GMS countries attended the training course. Two external resource persons were invited to provide lectures and facilitate discussion, and guide the participants throughout the entire process of proposal development. One of the challenges was combining similar research ideas from different GMS countries to come up with a single research proposal. In the end, however, all the participants completed the training course successfully and came up with 9 sub-regional research proposals.

The results of the overall evaluation for this learning program revealed that the participants were highly satisfied with the program contents, resource persons, recreational activities as well as training management and delivery. The sessions of the program were rated as useful by the participants and that their acquired knowledge and skills could be applied in their work. Moreover, throughout the three-week intensive learning course, the participants developed friendships and established network among GMS researchers which is one of the objectives of MI in promoting regional cooperation.

Though the participants were highly satisfied with the learning program, several comments were provided by the participants for further program improvement. These include more hands-on training on SPSS, more time for discussion and proposal writing, and exposure to real-life interview through field work. It was also strongly suggested by the participants that a follow-up training, particularly on data analysis and report writing, should be conducted by MI to fully equip them with knowledge and skills on the entire research process.

Written by Mekong Institute

Project title: GMS SME BIZ Network

Implementing: Mekong Institute Secretariat, 123 Khon Kaen University,

Agency: Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Tel: 66 (0) 43-202411-2 Fax: 66 (0) 43343 131

Actual Participants: Thirty Thai SME Exporters and thirty SMEs of CLMV and Xouthwest China

Project Duration: 6-10 September 2010

The Mekong Institute was commissioned by the Office of SME Promotion of Thailand to design and facilitate a regonal forum on GMS SME BIZ Network that aimed to promote SME Export Network among Thai SME Exporters and SMEs and Key Persons of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Yunnan and Guang Xi Provinces of China (ClMV and SWC). The forum was held at the MI's Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen Uniersity from 6 to 10 September 2010. Seveny four entrepreneurs and concerned government officials participated in the forum.

This forum aimed to:

1. Promote closer working relationship, long-term business cooperaton and network between Thai SME Exporters and Logistic Providers and SMEs and Key Persons of CLMV and SC.

2. Facilitate the formulation of join business plans among the SMEs in the GMS

3. Add value to trade and investment of Thai SMEs

The participants are thirty Thai SMEs, 5 Chinese, 6 Cambodians, 9 Laos, 6 Myanmar, and 10 Vietnamese that are interested in the have capacity to establish strategic alliance with SME partners in the neighboring countries and ASEAN as a whole. This program targeted those SMEs in the Northeastern region of Thailand those SMEs of CLMV and YG along economic corridors.

Contents of the workshop included panel discussions, structured learning visits and plenary deliberation on:

a: Strategic Framwork of ASEAN Economic Community- by Dr. Pornchai Danvivathana Deputy Director General of ASEAN Department of MoFA

b: Developing Thailand and the Mekong Region as ASEAN SME Regional Gateway- by Mr. MK Dutta, MI Trade and Investment Facilitation program Manager

c: Global and Regional Trend of SME BIZ Network and Expor Consortia- by Dr Abe masato, Senior Economic Officer, UNESCAP

d: Country SME SWOT Analysis and country report on each country policies, rules and regulations related to trade, investment and export, investment and business development potentials, current SME situation and Business Development Services,

e. Multilateral and Bilateral Agreement, CBTA and logistics in the GMS- by Dr. Rattanatay Luangradbandth, ADB, Mr. oudet Suwannavong, GMS Business Forum, Ms. Tui Pakarat Rutten, Cambodian Fright Forwarder and Mr. Suraphol Thaveesangsakulthai, Khon Kean Chamber of Commerce

f. SME BIZ Network and Business Cluster- by Mr. Sorapob Chuadamrong, Vice President of Chaingmai Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Wichien Chedchutrakunthong, Former President of SMEs Chiangmai-Lampoon Association, and Mr. Masao Takagi, Business Matching Expert, Japan

g. Formulating Joint Business Plan - six joint business plans were developed at the forum. They are: 1) Decorating Brick Project, 2) Local Yogurt Products, 3) Regional Tourism, 4) GMS Silk Road, 5) Mobiled Training, and 6) Prae Pan Cotton Cluster.

h. Integrating Knowledge and experiences and way forward- SME BIZ Network on-line services, capacity building of Business Associatons and Community of Practices. A website portal has been created (wit linkage to MI website) to promote network among the participants.

Actual Outcomes:

1. Network of SME Exporters and Logistic Providers of Thailand and SMEs of CLMV and SWC. This includes established business relationship and trust among and between Thai Exporters and those SMEs from the GMS countries. Total of seventy five participants are now regiostered with the network.

2. Six joint Business Plans

3. Country reports which includes SWOT Analysis of SMEs in the context of ASEAN Economic Community and country trade and investment policies and institutional arrangements.