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Conceptualizing irrigation project modernization through benchmarking and the rapid appraisal process
Author(s) -
Burt Charles M.,
Styles Stuart W.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
irrigation and drainage
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.421
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1531-0361
pISSN - 1531-0353
DOI - 10.1002/ird.127
Subject(s) - benchmarking , modernization theory , process (computing) , process management , project appraisal , engineering management , service (business) , business , operations management , computer science , knowledge management , engineering , political science , marketing , finance , law , operating system
Benchmarking is defined as a systematic process for achieving continued improvement in the irrigation sector through comparisons with relevant and achievable internal or external goals, norms, and standards. The three aspects of benchmarking are: evaluation of technical indicators (both internal and external); appraisal of the system processes; and an evaluation of service to users and their satisfaction with that service. The authors have incorporated all three components into a training program in which project staff learn the concepts of modernization and then evaluate their own project in a systematic rapid appraisal process (RAP). At the end of the training, internal and external indicators are developed for the project, and the local staff develop a priority list for modernization of the project. This paper will present the concepts of the RAP. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.