1
Public projects – theory X praxis
David Póč
Department of Public Economics
2
Public projects
Realization phase – possibility of higher efficiency while allocating the
public finance
Public projects
Projects are seen as a systematic approach to the public finance
allocation (especially investments activities) – 90ties def. in CZ
Later def. – extension to also non-invest activities
Broader view – public projects could be seen as any activities where
the allocation from the public finances is taking place
„Advantages“ of project approach
Possibility of clearly link final „effects“ to the costs
Application of possibility to compare different solutions – i.e. evolution of
public project
Monitoring of progress and options enabling to apply the broad spectrum
of the controlling procedures
3
Public projects (2)
Conditions/Signs of the public project (at least one condition needs to
be applied):
Substantial part of sources for realization come from direct or indirect
public funding (like tax exceptions etc.)
Realization is based on the other tools of economic policy (like
different regulatory tools)
There are significant externalities connected with project (like impacts
on the market based on the project realization)
Questions/Issues – definition of benefits and their comparison (for example
intangible), possibility to compare the projects (different types of grants
etc.), necessity to set up the precise the targets
Setting of targets – while setting up the targets a lot questions need to be
answered (stakeholders?, are we able to identify them?, why it is
necessary to proceed with a project? etc.) and then it is necessary to
control fulfillment of the goals (are not there new factors influencing the
realization of targets? etc.)
Project cycle
In case that the decision about using project „optics“ is being made,
the so called project cycle is common method to asses the different
parts of the realization phase
Example – V. Dočkal (2007) where 8 phases is being found:
1. Existence of a problem – setting up of targets (goals) in connection
with possibilities
2. Identification of grant conditions in consensus with stakeholders –
possible use of different grants/funds
3. Seeking for grant title/source and check of the project eligibility –
match between goals and binding rules
4. Completee of application – administrative and other processes
5. Pre-realization preparation – handing out of other
documents/materials, dealing with comments/changes
6. Realization of project – fulfilling of the conditions, following the goals
7. Closing of project and sustainability – use of the results
8. Identification of the new problems/risks – change of situation and
necessity of reaction
4
Project activities
Realization
team
Outputs and
outcomes
Budget
To what detail the project proposal is being
described?
Project proposal – first step to get funded
5
Idea is completed and what to do
next?
Prepared
project
Proposal
Parts of the
project
Annexes
6
Public projects in the CZ and their sources
In the last 15 years there has been significant raise in „by purpose
binding“ public finances sources allocated through the public
projects
Creation of new rules (legislature changes, competences issues
etc.)
„EU Phenomenon“ – relatively new area, allocation of the
regional/cohesion funds – ESIF, relatively significant „volumes“ of
grant finances
Effectivity question – how these funds are being used in member
states countries
Issues connected with so called strategical governance and strategic
management – different levels and layer of the public sector, use of
the grant finances
Role of ESIF in CZ and other countries 7
Thanks for your attention!
Sources:
Dočkal, V: Strukturální fondy EU – projektový cyklus a projektové řízení. Brno: Masarykova univerzita, 2007.
ISBN 978-80-210-4390-9
Information from www.struktralni-fondy.cz
8