Public institutions today face a dual challenge: the need to manage daily operations efficiently, and at the same time, the necessity of making radical changes and quantum leaps to keep pace with global transformations. Recognizing this challenge, "Tafkeer" presented an integrated technical proposal to the Ministry of Education's Information and Documentation Center, not to offer ready-made consulting solutions, but to embark on a strategic partnership journey aimed at building an achievable strategy and establishing an institutional culture capable of executing and sustaining it.
This project is not just about writing documents; it is about building capabilities, unifying visions, and translating ambitions into a practical roadmap. It is based on a deep understanding that an institution's legal mandate gives it a "license to operate," but it is the strategy and culture that provide the "soul" that gives this work meaning and exceptional impact.
Project Vitals
- Client: Information and Documentation Center, Ministry of Education
- Project: Providing consulting and training services to develop a comprehensive strategy for the Center
- Strategic Objective: To update plans, integrate projects, build capacity, and make quantum leaps to transform the Center into a leading and more distinguished institution in the education sector
Project Objectives: A Roadmap to Excellence
A set of ambitious and interconnected objectives were defined to ensure the strategy development process would achieve a real and sustainable impact:
- Develop a comprehensive strategy for the Center, linking it to the broader strategy of the Ministry of Education and the government.
- Build a clear and applicable strategy with a focus on execution and delivery capabilities through a project management methodology and mechanisms.
- Make the strategy-building process a continuous one, centered on institutional cultural transformation and capacity building.
- Focus on achieving quantum leaps in performance and radical transformation, where small steps integrate to create a large-scale impact over an extended period.
What Distinguishes Our Methodology: An Integrated Approach
"Tafkeer" relies on a methodology characterized by depth and realism, avoiding theoretical solutions detached from reality:
Deep Understanding First
The methodology focuses on building the institution's capacity to generate knowledge about its field, form shared understandings, and move from debate to constructive dialogue.
The Inspiring Mission
We work to transform the institution's legal mandate into a noble and inspiring mission that the team believes in, providing the true answer to the question "Why?".
Strategic Execution via Projects
We clearly distinguish between daily operational execution and strategic execution. For us, strategy is translated into a portfolio of strategic initiatives and projects on a roadmap, complete with a methodology and office to manage them.
The Transformation Methodology: The Project's Three-Phase Journey
Phase 1: Initiation and Deep Diagnosis
This is the phase of building a shared knowledge base. It is not a fleeting workshop, but an in-depth study of the Center's internal and external environments.
Key Activities:
- Research, data collection, and review of previous documents and strategic plans.
- Interactive workshops with stakeholders to discuss challenges and solutions.
- Conducting local and international benchmarking studies to identify gaps.
- Preparing comprehensive diagnostic reports that document findings and provide initial recommendations.
Phase 2: Strategy Formulation and Vision Crafting
In this phase, the insight gained from the diagnosis is transformed into a clear destination and an inspiring identity. It is a process of deep and transparent internal dialogue.
Key Activities:
- Dialogue sessions and workshops to formulate an inspiring mission and institutional values.
- Preparing detailed concepts, reports, and studies to build an ambitious yet reality-based future vision.
- Translating the vision into a practical roadmap of prioritized strategic initiatives and projects.
- Organizing accompanying training programs in strategic planning and change leadership.
Phase 3: Engineering the Strategic Execution
This phase focuses on building the institutional capacity for execution, ensuring the strategy does not remain ink on paper.
Key Activities:
- Developing an integrated Project Management Methodology (planning, execution, monitoring, closing).
- Designing the structure and functions of a Project Management Office (PMO) to be the link between management and teams.
- Preparing procedural guides and standardized templates to facilitate and track project execution.
- Delivering advanced training courses in project management, risk management, and the use of software tools.
Strategic Deliverables: Building Sustainable Assets
The project was not limited to delivering advisory reports; it focused on providing the Center with real, sustainable tools and capabilities:
Shared Understanding & Collective Will
Building a deep, unified understanding of reality, a collective belief in the mission, and a strong will for execution.
Strategic Plan & Roadmap
Translating the vision into practical initiatives and projects with clear priorities and timelines.
PM Methodology & PMO
An organized framework and a central unit to execute strategic projects efficiently.
Capacity Building & Cultural Shift
An integrated set of training programs that enhanced skills and laid the foundation for a new culture.