• Data Availability

Despite initial hesitance from the universities to divulge key information, the project succeeded in gathering the essential data for a thorough assessment.

• Diversity of Interests

With a broad range of university types and programs, the project had to cater to a varied set of organizational needs and priorities.

• Covid-19 Pandemic

Conducted during the height of the pandemic, the assessment had to adapt to remote operations and tight timelines, negating the opportunity for on-site visits.

To alleviate data-sharing concerns, the research team built strong rapport and trust with university stakeholders, enhanced by the Senior Project Manager’s deep expertise in change management and understanding of cultural dynamics. Remote strategies were employed to compensate for the absence of physical visits, requiring universities to provide extensive details through photographs and scorecards.

Additionally, a custom approach was developed to cater to the varying preparedness levels among universities, particularly considering the rapid shift to online education driven by the pandemic.

The efforts culminated in a comprehensive Capacity Needs Assessment report for each institution and a summarized version for the client and the Ministry of Education. These reports illuminated a path toward the implementation of high-quality online programs, considering individual institutional milestones. Implementation plans are underway, with all involved parties satisfied with the project’s outcomes.