What is Second Order Learning

The training and consultation effort, performance-driven project management for the Turkish Cypriot community in Northern Cyprus, was funded because implementation of project plans was not satisfactory. The community was faced with considerable challenge. Non-performance was an issue for all stakeholders, directly affecting incomes, access, quality of life. Over nine months the result was upgraded manager/consultant project management skills. Both quality of project design and implementation of projects radically improved. Project results closed the fundamental performance gaps, with a remarkable 80% of the projects completed within timeframe and budget. These included retail sales increases, higher certification scores, new product/service launches, and cost savings. The level of understanding of organizational project dynamics was raised significantly, along with the skills needed to manage projects with a performance-driven approach. This sustained effort was evaluated in the design and early stages of implementation of the second wave of projects.