Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP)
Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Abstract
Purpose Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge
and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature
death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge,
skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development
and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing
on building strategic and operational capacity.
Methods Applying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project
management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical centerspecific
schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring
and evaluation metrics.
Results The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component
implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local
center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to
obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk
log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required
mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve
project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control
checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly
evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Conclusion The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity
across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring
high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.
Description
CITATION: Odiaka, E. 2018. Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP). Journal of Global Oncology, 4:1-12, doi:10.1200/JGO.18.00062.
The original publication is available at https://ascopubs.org
The original publication is available at https://ascopubs.org
Keywords
Project Management, Prostate -- Cancer -- Africa, Network analysis (Planning), Cancer -- Research -- Africa
Citation
Odiaka, E. 2018. Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP). Journal of Global Oncology, 4:1-12, doi:10.1200/JGO.18.00062.