Management Information
System in ISPWDK...contd

Workshop held on 23rd-24th March 04 at FMC, Bangalore

Participants and workshop structure

In all there were nine participants for the training. The training was coducted by Resource persons from WOTR and representatives from the Accounts Department of MYRADA Central Office provided resource inputs on the Programme Design Outlay (PDO) and reporting sections of the software. PSMU staff facilitated the different sessions. Individual thrust area persons from PSMU were present during the presentation of their respective thrust area for comments and value addition. There were three broad segments of the training: demonstration of the MIS software, the input sessions on the data management aspects of the software and the sharing by participants.

First Day – Demonstration/ Discussion of Software

The software demonstration was done on the first day. Participants from one organization shared a computer. Different modules in each section of the software were demonstrated to the participants through a LCD projection. The participants followed the instructions on their computer and had to produce the results achieved by the instructors. There were clarifications and healthy debates on the different sections of the software. The participants shared the practical difficulties faced by them. All relevant discussions were noted in brief, on a brown sheet. Considerable time was spent on the PDO & reporting sections of the software. The participants had to prepare two presentations per organization as an overnight assignment.

Second Day – database management

On the second day, there were input sessions on the database management aspects of the software. It covered topics on database management in general and also on ISPWDK MIS. The links between the tables in ISPWDK MIS were displayed. The partners were trained in query analysis, data conversion, data export, data storage and backup, etc.

The partners then presented their experience of the socio- economic data entry. PRAWARDA and SAMUHA were close to completing the socio-economic data entry. MYRADA would complete the data entry by the end of May 2004. Each partner had adopted a different strategy for the database creation- MYRADA trained existing staff and provided computers at the VDS level, PRAWARDA hired a data entry operator to compete the entry at project level and SAMUHA spent time on conversion data. The learning and difficulties faced from each experience was also shared.

Action Plans

The action plan of the partners elaborated the capacity building to be undertaken for the other staff in the project, the support desired from WOTR in the coming year and the time by which the MIS would be fully in use. The indicator for this - the MMR (Monthly Monitoring Report) sent to PSMU would be generated from the ISPWDK MIS software. SAMUHA has committed to sending the MIS-generated MMR in May 2004, and PRAWARDA & MYRADA in September 2004. The participants requested that the first MIS generated MMR received by PSMU from any organization be shared with the other organizations also. It was also decided to hold an event each time the above is achieved. Participants from the three partners, WOTR and PSMU would attend these events.

A user manual for the ISPWDK MIS was given to each organization. The additional requirements in the software were confirmed through discussions on each point noted on the brown sheet.

After this, there was a feedback session. Overall, participants found the training to be useful. The training ended with a round of thanks to participants, resource persons and special invitees.

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