CONSULTANCY REPORT (download .zip file – Consultancy report)
- Project: Plan D.oiran, Lot 2
- Activity: Trainings for the members of the co-management team in charge of managing the Dojran region
Produced by:
- Prof. Dr. Cvetko Smilevski
- Nenad Dafincevski, M.A.
DETRA CENTER, 2020
CONTENTS
APPENDICES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
1.1 Basic information
1.2 Objectives
2. Overview of training modules
2.1 Introduction to the training program and the concept of sustainable development
2.2 Management and managerial skills
2.3 Strategic planning and implementation
2.4 Project Management and Project Implementation
2.5 Teams and teamwork
2.6 Organizational communication
2.7 Marketing research for sustainable development
2.8 Preparation and implementation of effective meetings
2.9 Strategic promotion and public relations
2.10 Local development
2.11 “Green” local development
2.12 Alternative tourism
3. Conclusions and recommendations
Appendices
- Appendix 1 – Instrument for self-assessment of prior knowledge
- Appendix 2 – Results of self-assessment of prior knowledge
- Appendix 3 – Training materials
- Appendix 4 – Evaluations of the training program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Plan D.oiran project is an international project between the Republic of Northern Macedonia and the Republic of Greece. The project is funded by the IPA program and is being implemented by 4 partners:
1. Municipality of Dojran, Northern Macedonia
2. Macedonian Scientific Society (MND) – Bitola, Northern Macedonia
3. Municipality of Kilkis, Greece
4. Region of Central Macedonia, Greece
Detra Center as a training-consulting company was hired to implement activities by MND, as follows:
1. Consultations with stakeholders regarding priorities and action plans for development of the Dojran Lake region and
2. Training for the management team that will be in charge of managing the ecosystem of Lake Dojran
This report refers to the second activity, training of potential members of the co-management team that will be in charge of development and co-management of the Dojran Lake region. It is important to emphasize that the trainings were conducted in conditions of a coronavirus pandemic, but all safety protocols prescribed by the Government of the Republic of Northern Macedonia for training were observed. The trainings were attended by 9 participants, of which 7 were members of the municipal administration, 1 member was a representative of a public institution and 1 member was a representative of the private business sector.
This report shows the individual modules that were processed with the appropriate content, as well as the materials that were made available to the participants. The trainings were delivered by experienced trainers who have years of experience in delivering trainings, each in the relevant field.
Prof. Dr. Cvetko Smilevski (team leader) and Nenad Dafincevski (project coordinator) were involved in the preparation of this report.
This report is the property of Detra Center and expresses exclusively the opinions and views of the authors.
1. PROJECT OBJECTIVES
1.1 General information
Dojran Lake is a small, border lake located between Northern Macedonia and Greece. The lake has been declared a natural monument by the Macedonian side considering that it is a habitat of migratory birds and has great biodiversity value given the different endemic species that live in and along the lake. Once an important site on the Balkan Peninsula known for its healing properties of water, fishing, as well as irrigation resources for agricultural land and surrounding settlements. Lake Dojran experiences two extreme shocks resulting in flood (1955-1956) and drought (1989). These two shocks were crucial for the small, European lake and resulted in long-term consequences for the ecosystem primarily economic downturn as a result of the collapse of the local fishing industry.
Lake Dojran has sprung “back to life” in the recent years, which is reflected in the increased tourist demand, modest agricultural production, small fishponds and plantations for plants that offer opportunities for regional development. However, the sustainability of this development is in question since there is no plan and management of activities to ensure strategic long-term and stable socio-economic development of the region.
1.2 Objectives
The engagement of Detra Center has two specific goals:
1. Consultations with stakeholders regarding priorities and action plans for development of the Dojran Lake region and
2. Training for the management team that will be in charge of managing the ecosystem of Lake Dojran
This report refers exclusively to the second point.
Eight of the modules were specifically provided with the tendering offer of Detra Center, and the last 4 modules were planned and prepared based on the information we received from the interviews with stakeholders, as well as the priorities in the action plans. Therefore, the four modules with which we completed the training program are:
– Preparation and implementation of effective meetings
– Развој Local development
– “Green” local development
– Alternative tourism
Before the preparation of the training modules was commenced, a tool for self-assessment of knowledge was sent to the participants (Appendix 2) whose purpose was to detect the level of pre-knowledge of the participants for each of the modules, so that the trainers could adjust the level of training according to the participants’ knowledge. The results of the self-assessment were presented in the first volume, and they can be seen in Annex 3.
For each of the training modules, the trainers prepared an appropriate reading text (manual), as well as a Power Point presentation. Additionally, but non-binding, some of the trainers made additional handouts and measuring instruments.
As an additional input from Detra, what we believed would be very useful for the participants, is the development of an online platform for access to training materials. For that purpose, we created the platform www.training.plandoiran.eu where all training materials are attached (Annex 4), and the participants will have access for one year through a special municipal account owned by the municipality of Dojran.
At the end of the training program (after the completion of the 12th module) the participants completed a written evaluation (Appendix 5) in relation to the overall program, and the Detra Center awarded them certificates for attendance and active participation in the program.
2. OVERVIEW OF TRAINING MODULES
2.1 Introduction to the training program and the concept of sustainable development
The introductory module aimed to introduce the participants to the complete training program so that they can see the “big picture” of the program, as well as to be introduced to the concept of sustainable development, as an essential philosophy of thinking in designing future activities for Dojran development. region.
The following topics were covered in the content scope:
– Training methodology (job competencies, experiential learning, DRA training model)
– Ecosystem and sustainable development
– Diagnosis of individual and group training needs – presentation of summary results
The training was delivered on 04.06.2020.
Trainer: Cvetko Smilevski.
2.2 Management and Management Skills
The second training module was the Management and Management Skills module. This module aimed to present the basic functions of management and managerial work to the attendees. Part or all of the participants will be part of the co-management body for management, so it is necessary to have knowledge of the basic management functions to be able to successfully manage.
The following topics were covered in the content scope:
– Management as a tool for problem solving
– Managerial functions
– Managerial skills
The training was Delivered on 05.06.2020.
Trainer: Ivan Gjorgjievski.
2.3 Strategic planning and implementation
Strategic planning is essential for the long-term success of any organization. That is why we have foreseen this module in the program because it is necessary for the participants to acquire the competencies to understand the strategic planning process and the special competencies for the implementation of the strategy so that they can successfully manage the Dojran Lake region in the long run. In addition to planning, attention was paid to the implementation as a key factor for successful implementation of each strategy.
The content of this module covered the following topics:
– Strategy, strategic planning and strategic management
– Strategic thinking
– Action planning
– Monitoring and evaluation of the strategy
The training for strategic planning and implementation was held on: 09.06.2020.
Trainer: Gorazd Smilevski.
2.4 Project management and project implementation
Knowledge and application of project management is one of the most important skills today, especially in the scope of work of municipalities, because projects themselves are a source of income for the municipality on the one hand, and on the other hand through the implementation of projects the municipality influences the development and welfare in the municipality itself. It is known that many of the infrastructure projects are projects in themselves.
From the wide range of topics covered by the project management, the following topics were covered in this module:
– Project management and project cycles
– Relationship between strategic and project management
– Project development: goals, activities, indicators
– Implementation and evaluation of project activities
The training for project management and implementation was held on 10.06.2020.
Trainer: Metodija Stojanovski.
2.5 Teams and teamwork
Teamwork is the basis for success in any organization, whether it is a municipality, civil society organization, private company, etc. The participants as future members of the co-management body of the region will have to function as a team and thus contribute to successful results and achievement of long-term goals for the development of the region.
Teams and teamwork is a broad field that covers many aspects, and the following topics were covered in this module:
– Group dynamics
– The Concept of Capi
– Adizes’ Personal management styles
– Situational Leadership
The training was held on June 11, 2020.
Trainer: Nenad Dafinchevski.
2.6 Organizational communication
Communication is the “bloodstream” of any organization. Without successful communication there is no successful organization. This module aimed to improve the communication and conflict management skills of the participants, as well as to introduce them to the different types of communication that exist in an organization.
Organizational communication is a scientific discipline in itself, and for the needs of this training module the following topics were covered:
– Effective organizational communication
– Communication skills
– Conflicts and conflict management
The training for organizational communication was held on 16.06.2020.
Trainer: Gordana Tasevska.
2.7 Marketing research for sustainable development
The marketing function is at the core of any organization whether it is a for-profit or non-profit organization. The purpose of this module is to enable participants to independently do different types of marketing research that will be in function of sustainable development of the region.
The content range included the following topics:
– Marketing research as part of the overall marketing process
– Marketing research methodologies and techniques
– Interpreting marketing research results
The training was held on June 17, 2020.
Trainer: Maja Kocoska.
2.8 Preparation and implementation of effective meetings
Unorganized and unplanned meetings can be a serious waste of time, and the work of the co-management body for the development of the region will be through meetings. Conducting productive and effective meetings is an art in itself. Through this module, the participants were presented with techniques and tactics for preparation and implementation of effective meetings that will give the result for which they were convened.
The content of this module was as follows:
– Prepare, start, implement and close the meeting
– Techniques and tools for effective meetings
– IT tools and virtual meetings
This training was realized on June 18, 2020.
Trainer: Gordana Tasevska.
2.9 Strategic promotion and public relations
Strategic promotion and public relations are powerful tools for informing the general public about the activities undertaken by the municipality, which refer to different groups of stakeholders. Public relations also contributes to transparency and raising the image of the municipality. This training aimed to equip participants with the basic concepts and skills for strategic promotion and public relations.
The content range consisted of the following topics:
– Promotion and public relations as part of an integrated communication plan
– Tactics for a positive image and reputation
– Creating and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders
The training was delivered on June 19, 2020.
Trainer: Maja Kocoska.
2.10 Local development
Local development is a powerful concept in whose philosophy is the overall development of a region. This training module aimed to show the participants the basic concepts of local development as well as possible strategies and tools that can contribute to development and prosperity in the Dojran region.
The training module covered the following topics:
– Concept of local development in national frameworks (regulations, guidelines, requirements)
– Concept of local development in the European framework
– Dimensions and factors of local development
The training for local development was realized on 23.06.2020.
Trainer: Cvetko Smilevski.
2.11 “Green” local development
“Green” development is often associated with sustainable development. This means that the region is developing evenly, using all available opportunities, but without disturbing the ecosystem in a broader sense. This training module aimed to introduce the participants to the concepts of “green” local development and how they can be applied for the development of the Dojran region.
The content scope of the module consisted of the following topics:
– What is “green” development and its impact on ecosystems
– “Green” jobs
– Local strategies and protection of ecosystems through “green” jobs
– Normative aspects of cross-border cooperation and ecosystem protection
The training module for “green” local development was delivered on June 24, 2020.
Trainer: Maja Kochoska.
2.12 Alternative tourism
Alternative tourism means the introduction of other forms of tourism as different from the main form of tourism for the specific tourist destination. This training aimed to introduce the concepts of alternative tourism and tourist destination to the participants, as well as to provide them with the necessary skills for planning alternative forms of tourism in the municipality.
At the end of this last module of the training program, the certificates of the participants were awarded.
The content scope of the module consisted of the following topics:
– Concept of alternative tourism
– Types and forms of alternative tourism
– Management of a tourist destination
The training module was realized on 25.06.2020.
Trainer: Ljupcho Janevski.
3. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The training program was specially designed to respond to the needs of the future co-management body that will be formed and whose goal will be to manage the development of the Dojran region on both sides of the lake. For that purpose, the modules were carefully selected and specially designed so that the future members of the co-management body will be prepared with the necessary skills and competencies to successfully manage the development of the region.
In terms of attendance and activity, we can report that the participants were maximally committed to mastering the training modules. An interactive discussion was developed in each training module, where many of the things were discussed in terms of their practicality and applicability.
Our perception is that in terms of activity, interest and commitment, of all those present, the most prominent were:
1. Mitra Janceva
2. Ana Toncheva
3. Darko Kachakov
4. Katerina Tuneva
As mentioned above, all training materials will be available to the participants within one year through the platform www.training.plandoiran.eu and also the trainers of Detra Center who realized the modules will be available for consultations in the next six months.