Overview

Organization

Since 2010, the Institute for Development in Economics and Administration (IDEA international) has created the IDEA Solutions® branch which focuses on the development of software to facilitate the concrete implementation of Results-Based Management (RBM). The development approach is agile and combines IT specialists and management specialists to develop quickly innovative and practical products.

The IDEA Solutions® Suite and Business Model

IDEA Solutions® is a suite of concrete solutions in terms of web software, tailor-made to respond to the client’s needs and constraints, and that support the concrete implementation of RBM processes. The IDEA Solutions® business model is to start from the client information systems that work, add relevant modules from a « backbone of generic modules, and develop relevant interfaces to make it the « client’s solution ».

Users of IDEA-Solutions®

IDEA Solutions® are designed mainly for high-level officials in the public sector who need up-to-date and specific information for decision-making and accountability. Those software are also appreciated by managers and professionals to better plan, budget, and monitor the implementation of strategic plans, programmes, and projects.

Improving the existing system

With a flexible business model

Results-Based Management Cycle

The Results-Based Management ( RBM ) cycle includes several phases : ( i ) planning, ( ii ) programming and budgeting, ( iii ) implementation, and ( iv ) monitoring & evaluation with a feedback loop back to the next cycle. One needs also to take into account that the RBM cycle is implemented at several levels : strategic, programmatic and operational. The figure below presents this cycle with phases in columns and levels in lines.

The IDEA Solutions processes and software deal with specific parts of the RBM cycle or with the whole cycle as indicated later.

IDEA Solutions Software

First, IDEA-Solutions works to analyze, improve, design, and implement existing information systems used by the government, e.g. information systems masters plan, financial information systems, project management systems. Second, IDEA-Solutions provides business intelligence tools to complement the transactional systems: A4R®, B4R®, P4R®, and M4R®.

Guides a structured, rapid and participatory diagnostic of the current status of RBM implementation for benchmarking, comparison with similar entities, and assessment of progress over time (Version A)

Facilitates the evaluation of program and projects (Version B)

Facilitates the identification and prioritization of bottleneck

Facilitates the elaboration of an action plan and annual work plan for further RBM implementation

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Clarifies the main steps of the budgeting process in articulation with strategic and operational planning.

Guides the rapid and participatory formulation of the different steps of a medium term budgetary ( or fiscal ) framework.

Guides the rapid and participatory formulation of the different steps of a sectoral medium-term expenditure framework and multiannual program-budgets.

Assists in the development of matrices of unit costs of public goods and services.

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Conducts an ex-ante evaluation of project ideas and helps formulate project documents

Evaluates formulated projects according to a multi-criteria evaluation grid

Selects projects to be included in the Public Investment Program.

Facilitates to manage any project in different phases of the Public Investment Management (PIM) cycle

Includes a Geographic Information System (GIS) module to help position Investment Projects

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Facilitates the yearly monitoring of the main result and strategic indicators.

Monitors the implementation of the annual work plan and budget ( AWPB ) and of programs/projects.

Facilitates the articulated monitoring of budget execution, project implementation, and results indicators.

Produces easy-to-interpret dashboards and charts.

Automatically generates a preliminary version of progress and performance reports

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Assessing RBM Implementation and Evaluating Projects with A4R®

Articulating Plan and Budget with B4R®

Managing the Public Investment Cycle with P4R®

Monitoring Results with M4R®

Partners

COFOMO offers complete IT solutions, whether it is an application development or systems integration. It has the expertise to analyse the needs of its clients and provide them with the best technological solutions suited for them. COFOMO was the first IT firm in Quebec to offer the expertise of many certified Microsoft professionals (Microsoft Infosource 1995) and is the third largest computer services company in Canada.

TI Consulting is an information technology company in administrative and financial areas for the public and private sectors. It uses project management methodologies and develops systems with international recognition.

Case Studies

Case Study of A4R® Process

SISCA (Regional organization in Central America)

Training workshop in M&E
Adaptation of A4R® diagnostic indicators to local context
Diagnostic of the existing M&E system with the A4R®
Preparation of an action plan to improve Results-based M&E of social programs in Central America application

Case Study of B4R® Process

States of Michoacán and Tabasco

Short training in RBM and B4R®
Diagnostic of the existing budgeting system with the A4R® application
Technical support to revise the PMF and develop the necessary tools for B4R®
Adjust the B4R®
Use the adjusted B4R® application to elaborate a an expenditure framework for 2 pilot sectors

Case Study of M4R® Process

CDEMA (CARICOM regional organization)

Masters Certification in M&E
Diagnostic of the existing M&E system with the A4R® application
Technical support to revise the PMF
Elaborate an Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Policy
Adapt M4R® to become CDM Monitor and implement it

Case Study of P4R® Process

Cabo Verde

Diagnostic of the PIM System and related Information Systems
Validation of the diagnostic and formulation of a plan of action to improve the PIM System
Preparation of general and sector-specific guidelines for the PIM system
Training of key staff involved in the PIM cycle
Improvement of the existing Information Systems/Design of software to support the implementation of the new PIM system

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use IDEA Solutions®?

IDEA Solutions® help a public institution implement concretely and step by step RBM.
IDEA Solutions articulate various planning, budgeting, and monitoring levels from strategic level down to operational level.
IDEA Solutions® implementation is modular, so that it can start with a simple pilot system and evolve over time.
IDEA Solutions® are add-ons to other systems, so there is no need to replace existing systems
IDEA Solutions® works. It is not a white elephant
IDEA Solutions® is affordable

Can the IDEA Solutions® suite be added to the software I am currently using?

IDEA Solutions® are add-ons to other systems, so there is no need to replace existing systems. Interfaces can be built with the majority of existing systems.

Are there different versions of IDEA Solutions®?

IDEA Solutions® evolve over time to benefit from client experience, evolution of client needs, and technological progress. The client obtains the current version at the time of purchase. The software assurance plan gives easy and affordable access to updates.

Where can a public entity order IDEA Solutions®?

IDEA Solutions® can be ordered by contacting IDEA International: info@ideasolutions.com or (1) 418-266-1223

What is the price for the IDEA Solutions® suite?

The price of the IDEA Solutions® depends on the scope of the system to be managed, especially the number of programs and sub-programs/budgets, and the number of services provided by institution in the implementation process (e.g. training, technical support, implementation of the application, software assurance plan). The purchase price and installation cost vary according to:
- The complexity of the system to be monitored, which is reflected by the number of planning elements;
- Specialized modules desired beyond the principal module; - Additional support you need in terms of diagnostic, training, and Software Assurance Plan. We will gladly send you a quotation based on your expressed needs.