Post-project review in urban disaster risk reduction
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an analysis of a post-project review (PPR) method designed to verify the accomplishments of urban disaster risk reduction-neighborhood approach (DRR-NA) projects after at least one year of project closeout. The PPR revisited the essential processes identified during project implementation and analyzed the sustainability of project gains.
Design/methodology/approach
The first section focuses on a literature review of the evaluation methods after project implementation, and the second describes the urban risk PPR design, its implementation, and findings.
Findings
The proposed framework for the PPR was clear and uniform and at the same time offered the necessary flexibility to adapt to the different DRR-NA projects and contexts. The PPR methodology sought to determine the conditions of the physical works, social and environmental gains, and progress in institutional arrangements associated with the NA projects. Factors that contribute and impede success in DRR-NA projects were identified.
Practical implications
Allowing at least one year between the completion of the NA projects and the PPR is both convenient and challenging. On the positive side, this approach allows for the verification of project outcomes after an extended period of time. However, there are also challenges, such as the need to seek additional financial resources to carry out the review; generate new contractual mechanisms; and assign human resources to review a project already closed.
Originality/value
The changes introduced into the PPR methodology to obtain a participative and self-conducted process resulted in a truly collective learning experience, becoming an act of accountability and social commitment.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the contributions of colleagues at USAID/OFDA, particularly the USAID-sponsored urban DRR project teams: Project Concern International (PCI) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Mixco and Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, respectively; World Concern (WC) in Port-de-Paix and Anse-à-Foleur, Haiti; and Save the Children (SC) in Villa El Salvador, Peru. The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of FIU or USAID.
Citation
Sarmiento, J.-P., Gelman, P., Jordão, G. and Bittner, P. (2017), "Post-project review in urban disaster risk reduction", Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 148-161. https://doi.org/10.1108/DPM-10-2016-0205
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited