Page 65 - Technical Cooperation Project for Building Capacity for Can Tho University...

Chapter 3 Key Factors affecting Implementation and Outcomes

Three important functions of universities (①Education, ②Research and ③Outreach) are not
independent, but interrelated each other. Research outputs and outreach activities are reflected in
quality education. For instance, students may gain a clue for their own research activities from research
topics and/or data by staff members, which may lead to better understanding of the topics/results
and eventually to new findings. Junior staff members who recently obtained PhD or master’s degree in
Japan are significantly contributing to innovative/creative research activities of CTU.

3.1.2 Establishment of PMU as a strong commitment by CTU

A uniqueness of the Project activities stems from the fact that two schemes (ODA Loan and TC)
run concurrently in the face of the above nine key factors. In 2015, prior to the commencement
of the Project, CTU established the Project Management Unit (PMU), which dictates the serious
commitment of CTU to the operation and management of the Project. A key factor that enabled smooth
implementation of two schemes for the last five years is the well-organized teamwork under Assoc.
Prof. Dr. Tran Trung Tinh, the Director of PMU and Vice Rector of CTU, 18 core staff members from
different fields, and six faculty members from the three fields (Agriculture, Aquaculture/Fisheries,
Environment), all appointed by CTU. The University also decided to allocate the PMU Office in the
th
whole space of the 5 floor of the Administration Building, which is close to the Rector Board and
offers sufficient working places for seven offices including one for the JICA Expert team.
The activities of the Project ranged widely as shown in Table below. The two schemes are expected
to exert synergistic effects on both hard and soft components to enhance the overall capability of CTU.
The facilities and equipment are expected to be fully utilized by the empowered soft components
once they become available. The overall ultimate goal of the Project is to enhance three core functions
(Education, Research and Outreach) of CTU to contribute to the society in Viet Nam, especially to the
community in the MD through collaboration with 13 MD provinces, related institutes and industries.
In order to strengthen these functions, CTU is continuously working in close partnership with JSUC (9
core universities) and relevant companies under JICA/Japan.

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