3. SUCCESS FACTORS & LESSONS LEARNED

3.1 Every project is defined by its success factors, the following ones
shaped this project:

• An evidence-informed approach: gave credibility and substance to project activities and products
• Participatory evaluation: clarified the project objectives, outputs and outcomes in a collective, collaborative way that enhanced the project’s focus and direction
• Effective planning: strong project management with the use of tools for time planning, reporting and information-sharing
• Skilled team members: knowledgeable and skilled professionals with the requisite expertise to realize the project’s activities
• Excellent team work: effective communication and interaction between project team members; monthly updates (via email) and quarterly face-to-face team meetings; a preparedness to share information and resources (e.g. mailing lists)
• Dedication: a commitment to community-based health promotion to raise awareness about secondary lymphedema risk reduction and management
• Support from community partners: enhanced outreach and promotion efforts
• Needed products and services: the exercise program and workshops met a local need

3.2 Every project has areas of improvement. Reflecting on lessons learned offers an empowering and forward-looking way to facilitate individual and organizational growth and development.

• Implement effective planning practices from the outset: convert the proposal into timelines and detailed work plans which are reviewed and revised on an going basis
• Develop an evaluation plan early in the planning process: hire a third party evaluator to guide the process, if funds permit; adopt a participatory approach that includes the input of key project stakeholders; develop a logic model that clearly identifies the project’s goal, objectives, targets, inputs, outputs and outcomes with measurable performance indicators and evaluation tools
• Identify the professional skills and expertise required for effective implementation: include content experts as well as team members experienced in project management, participatory evaluation, design and marketing, outreach and promotion
• Do the background research first: before developing the project activities, take the time to research what already exists (knowledge base, materials, local services etc.) and where the information or service gaps are to clarify the contribution your project will make
• Invest sufficient time in the development phase: quality background research early in the project will inform the development of activities; allocate sufficient time to develop activities by consulting project team members and tapping into their expertise; focus test or field test the activities with target audience members and record the results
• Identify community partners to help promote project activities: during the development phase, devise promotion, outreach and dissemination plans; review contact lists and update if needed
• Consider sustainability issues throughout the project cycle: sustaining project activities and lessons learned is challenging, particularly as many organizations are constrained by resource limitations; begin these discussions early in the project planning and re-visit periodically

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