Page 110 - Technical Cooperation Project for Building Capacity for Can Tho University...

Chapter 4 Results of Joint Review

The progress of the construction of the new facilities and procurement of equipment has significantly
been affecting some activities of the output 3 of the Project.

These two Projects have functioned effectively in a complementary manner and have had synergistic
effects, as originally expected.
3) Factors contributing to the achievement of the Project purpose

a) Effective and functional Project implementing structure in CTU (PMU, assignment of key members
in three core colleges and supporting units, organizing relevant task forces and committees);
b) Assignment of responsible and competent staff for the above units and favorable working
atmosphere for smooth communication with the Project team;
c) Good collaboration and partnership with local governments, institutions and companies in
implementing Joint Research Programs;

d) Support by many Japanese collaborators in JSUC for Joint Research and the New Master’s Program
from the initial stage of the Project;

e) As shown in III. 2 “The results of questionnaire survey”, implementation of 40 Joint Research
Programs has highly contributed to enhancing research and education capacity. It has also given
positive influence on awareness of safety practices, team discussion atmosphere, and environmental
consciousness.

4.1.4 Efficiency

Efficiency of the Project cannot be judged to be high because many activities and programs have
been restricted by the COVID-19 pandemic since February 2020.

1) Project Cost on the Japanese side

The Project has been extended for 9 months until December 14th, 2021 because of the COVID-19
pandemic. The budget that could not be spent due to COVID-19 was allocated to the Project operation
cost during the extended period and partly to purchasing online equipment for research, lectures and
seminars. Thus, the total Project cost on the Japanese side is expected to be within the original budget
as originally planned.
2) Project period

As described above, the Project was extended for 9 months until December 14th, 2021 to compensate
for the delay of the planned Project activities due to COVID-19. Therefore, the amount and timing of
inputs were relatively appropriate because of the extension of 9 months.
3) Project activities affected under the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 has negatively impacted the Project activities since February 2020 (as of July 2021).
The followings are the main activities affected by COVID-19:

a) Long-term experts: Two Japanese long-term experts (Chief advisor and academic advisor) had
evacuated to Japan from April to August 2020 (five months).

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