Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP)

CITATION: Odiaka, E. 2018. Effective Project Management of a Pan-African Cancer Research Network : Men of African Descent and Carcinoma of the Prostate (MADCaP). Journal of Global Oncology, 4:1-12, doi:10.1200/JGO.18.00062.The original publication is available at https://ascopubs.orgPurpose Health research in low- and middle-income countries can generate novel scientific knowledge and improve clinical care, fostering population health improvements to prevent premature death. Project management is a critical part of the success of this research, applying knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to accomplish required goals. Here, we describe the development and implementation of tools to support a multifaceted study of prostate cancer in Africa, focusing on building strategic and operational capacity. Methods Applying a learning organizational framework, we developed and implemented a project management toolkit (PMT) that includes a management process flowchart, a cyclical centerspecific schedule of activities, periodic reporting and communication, and center-specific monitoring and evaluation metrics. Results The PMT was successfully deployed during year one of the project with effective component implementation occurring through periodic cycles of dissemination and feedback to local center project managers. A specific evaluation was conducted 1 year after study initiation to obtain enrollment data, evaluate individual quality control management plans, and undertake risk log assessments and follow-up. Pilot data obtained identified areas in which centers required mentoring, strengthening, and capacity development. Strategies were implemented to improve project goals and operational capacity through local problem solving, conducting quality control checks and following compliancy with study aims. Moving forward, centers will perform quarterly evaluations and initiate strengthening measures as required. Conclusion The PMT has fostered the development of both strategic and operational capacity across project centers. Investment in project management resources is essential to ensuring high-quality, impactful health research in low- and middle-income countries.https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JGO.18.00062Publisher's versio

MASS MEDIA COVERAGE OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: THE BENUE STATE EXAMPLE

The development of agriculture largely depends on the extent to which proven agricultural innovations are adequately disseminated. Nigeria had a strong export sector but research had indicated that the range and quantity of products had declined sharply. It is believed that communication could have a role in reviving agriculture. This study was designed to evaluate mass media coverage of agricultural information in Benue State Nigeria. Data were collected from agricultural information/ programmes and materials by Radio Benue Station, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Makurdi and the Sun Newspaper for one year. This was complemented by interview with some Producers and Writers. The result indicated that the lowest average mass media coverage in one year was in agriculture (6.1% for Radio Benue, 0.8% for NTA and 1.9% > for The Sun Newspaper), white News ranked highest in Radio Benue (29.9%), Political issues in NTA (46.5%) and Advertisement in The Sun Newspaper (19.1%). The ANOVA test showed significant difference in the coverage of agricultural programmes (P<0.05) indicating- that the percentage of agricultural information given in the different media differs. The study, also, revealed that inadequate coverage materials and transport facilities were considered high amongst factors militating against effective placement and dissemination of agricultural information in the media. Poor sponsorship was moderate for the Radio station but high for TV and Newspaper. Therefore, it was suggested that effective coverage of agricultural information in the mass media could be improved if all the relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector place priority on sponsoring and facilitating the dissemination of agricultural information

MASS MEDIA COVERAGE OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION: THE BENUE STATE EXAMPLE

The development of agriculture largely depends on the extent to which proven agricultural innovations are adequately disseminated. Nigeria had a strong export sector but research had indicated that the range and quantity of products had declined sharply. It is believed that communication could have a role in reviving agriculture. This study was designed to evaluate mass media coverage of agricultural information in Benue State Nigeria. Data were collected from agricultural information/ programmes and materials by Radio Benue Station, the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Makurdi and the Sun Newspaper for one year. This was complemented by interview with some Producers and Writers. The result indicated that the lowest average mass media coverage in one year was in agriculture (6.1% for Radio Benue, 0.8% for NTA and 1.9% > for The Sun Newspaper), white News ranked highest in Radio Benue (29.9%), Political issues in NTA (46.5%) and Advertisement in The Sun Newspaper (19.1%). The ANOVA test showed significant difference in the coverage of agricultural programmes (P<0.05) indicating- that the percentage of agricultural information given in the different media differs. The study, also, revealed that inadequate coverage materials and transport facilities were considered high amongst factors militating against effective placement and dissemination of agricultural information in the media. Poor sponsorship was moderate for the Radio station but high for TV and Newspaper. Therefore, it was suggested that effective coverage of agricultural information in the mass media could be improved if all the relevant stakeholders in the agricultural sector place priority on sponsoring and facilitating the dissemination of agricultural information