A project management training unit for Polish civil servants

Because a project-based approach disrupts the traditional structure of organisations, it must be convincing if it is to gain a foothold in administrations, which are still very much steeped in a strong hierarchical culture.

Adapted to managing specific and/or cross-functional missions, which are becoming increasingly numerous in the public sector, project mode also requires specific skills.

With this in mind, the Lech Kaczynski National School of Public Administration in Warsaw - which is responsible for the initial and ongoing training of civil servants - has set up a Project Management Academy (1).

The Academy is an independent institution created to "improve the implementation of projects by enhancing the skills of staff and optimising the management of available resources".

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Any public servant who is expected to contribute to a project, regardless of his or her level of function or responsibility, is invited to apply. The programme coordinators ensure that the range of profiles (and in particular the participation of senior managers) within each class is one of the keys to success.

The programme consists of several taught modules, delivered in blocks and at short intervals, using theory and practice to explain project management techniques and tools – as well as programme and/or portfolio management issues – using methodological documents and materials developed by recognised experts.

Successful projects also depend on factors that are sometimes given short shrift, including socio-economic justification, balanced and efficient division of labour, and interpersonal and organisational relations. All of these issues are addressed in case studies in a workshop setting with the support of specialists.

Planning, risk management and evaluation are key elements and form an important part of the training. Analysis of real-world projects within the administration is used as the basis for exercises that the participants must solve both individually and collectively.

A partnership has recently been signed with HAUS, the Finnish government training operator, and LUDOVIKA, the Hungarian University of Public Administration, in order to secure the services of trainers from other countries and give the academy an international dimension.

¹ Academy of Project Management in Public Administration (AZPAP).