Exploring the lives of youth in the BPO sector: Findings from a study in Gurgaon

This report seeks to fill gaps in information on the lives of unmarried youth in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector in India. Specifically, it documents young people’s self-efficacy and their connections with their family and peers, as well as their sexual experiences and substance use practices. The findings presented in this report reiterate the fact that BPO employment not only provides young adults with a profitable and challenging work environment, but also has other positive outcomes: many young BPO employees associated their increased independence and self-efficacy to their employment in this sector, many reported close peer networks, and many reported a savings orientation. However, several areas of concern calling for a variety of interventions for youth in this sector were also observed: high levels of stress; a lack of sexual and reproductive health awareness; a need for contraceptive supplies and referrals for counseling and infection; and awareness-building efforts that address the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse

Competency assessment of project managers of a national NGO in India

Public health projects carried out by non-government organisations (NGOs) are considered a critical contributor in the provision of health services to rural population in India. But there is clear lack of documented evidence that describes the capacity and competency of the NGO project managers to successfully design and implement a new project. This article presents findings of an exploratory case study using outreach model of family planning service delivery as an example to understand the steps and actions taken by senior managers throughout the project’s life cycle and competencies required by them to execute the project. Focus group discussion followed by paper-based survey using sections of Management Competency Assessment Tool was conducted with senior managers of the chosen NGO. The results indicate that the strategies developed by the NGO managers are consistent with the existing literature on project management. However, not all managers have the same level of confidence in demonstrating the competencies of (a) knowledge of healthcare environment; (b) evidence informed decision making; and (c) interpersonal, communication qualities and relationship management. The organisation needs to invest in human resource development using mixed approach of providing training, team building activities, mentoring, and support