Capability Document Development Consulting
ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited Logix Park 1st Floor, Plot No. A4 & A5, Sector 16, Noida – 301201 (U.P.)
Tel: +91-120-4515 800, Fax: +91-120-4515 850
www.imacs.in
2014
ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited (IMaCS)
ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited (IMaCS) is a multi – line management consulting
firm headquartered in India. It has an established track record of 18 years in management and
development consulting across various sectors and countries. IMaCS has completed more than
1700 consulting assignments with about 850 clients and has worked in over 45 countries across
the globe. IMaCS is a wholly - owned subsidiary of ICRA Limited (ICRA), one of India’s leading
credit rating agencies.
IMaCS operated as an independent division of ICRA till March 2005, when it was de-merged
from ICRA and become a standalone company in its present form.
IMaCS' Development Consulting Practice has grown from the philosophy that principles and
practices of commercial business can be gainfully applied in the sphere of economic/social
development, particularly as Governments and Private capital come closer in a spirit of Public
Private Partnership.
IMaCS'development consulting sphere of area spread across Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS;
Education ; Water and Sanitation ; Livelihood; Investment Climate; Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR);
Climate Change and Disaster Management.. Functionally, the practice addresses the areas of
Baseline- Endline studies; Programme design and management; Policy advisory; Capacity
building and training; Communication; Monitoring and evaluation; Impact assessment.
IMaCS' Development Consulting Practice covers both rural and urban domains across diverse
public and private systems, and also focuses on areas such as Corporate Social Responsibility,
Climate change, Microfinance and Knowledge Management.
The Practice focuses on increasing efficiency and outcomes of Government operationsby
assisting the process of institutional reform and capacity building in Government
Development Consulting - Project Experience
2
departments/organizations. IMaCS works with governments at various levels – national, state or
local to help them to achieve to their objectives. Typical areas of our intervention include -
Sector reform and restructuring studies in sectors such as water, health, agriculture,
accounting, etc;
Policy formulation and program design;
Advising to create better investment climate;
Advising on improving public service delivery processes;
Advising to improving governance – information systems, e-governance, and
administrative reforms;
Benefit monitoring and evaluation of government programs and initiatives (focus on
poverty and employment generation);
Advising on Fiscal reforms and expenditure management
The Practice is highly interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise from natural and social sciences, engineering and management, to provide clients with cutting-edge consulting solutions and contextually relevant advice. Its research and consulting assignments cover both rural and urban areas across the public and private sectors
With a core team of 15 in-house consultants and an extensive database of on-call external experts, and robust partnerships with niche institutional players, IMaCS’ Development Consulting Practice is well placed to emerge as a key player in development consulting areas
Selected clients
Governments at national, state and district levels
Bilateral and multilateral aid agencies
Corporate sector
International NGOs /Foundations
Selected services offered
Baseline- End-line studies
Programme design and management
Policy advisory
Capacity building and training
Communication
Monitoring and evaluation
Impact assessment
Selected areas of work
Health, Nutrition and HIV/AIDS
Education
Water and Sanitation
Livelihood
Investment Climate
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Climate Change and Disaster Management
Development Consulting - Project Experience
3
Assignments undertaken:-
Analysis of declining enrolment in the State for Odisha Primary Education Programme
Authority (OPEPA)IMaCS was engaged by Orissa Primary Education Programme Authority
(OPEPA) to explore reasons for declining trend in enrolment indicators at primary and upper
primary levels in the state and to find the level of involvement of teachers
/CRCC/BRCC/District MIS/State MIS wing in the process of enrolment.
“Baseline Study of project titled "Scaling up of IKEA Foundation supported Women's
Empowerment Project in Jaunpur, Mirzapur, SantRavidas Nagar and Sonabhadra districts
of Uttar Pradesh” UNDP: The objective of the mandate was to undertake baseline study to
assess the situation of women in project districts and establish baseline indicators which
could be used to measure progress of the project against achievement of social, economic,
political and legal empowerment targets.
Consultancy services to study for Improved Nutrition Monitoring in Pastoralist
communities of Afar and Somali regions for UNICEF Ethiopia:The objective of the study was
to carryout in-depth research on the existing situation and suggest an improved nutrition
monitoring system for children in pastoralist communities of Afar and Somali regions in
Ethiopia. Major tasks were to analyse the existing systems for nutrition monitoring through
interactions at various levels and develop a strategy for ensuring concurrent nutrition
monitoring of the children in Pastoral communities.
Technical Assistance for Sri Lanka Public Sector Capacity Building Project and Karnataka
Panchayat Strengthening Project for World Bank:The objective of the mandate was to
provide technical assistance in restructuring of Sri Lanka Public Sector Capacity Building
Project and documentation of The World Bank funded Karnataka Panchayat Strengthening
Project.
Mid-Term Assessment – International Best Practice Exchange Leading To Innovation In SSA,
Save the Children:Save the Children India (SCBR) had initiated a three year intervention to
support Government of India in achieving quality targets of the SarvaShikshaAbhiyan (SSA)
through an exchange of international best practice. IMaCS was entrusted to undertakea mid-
term review of the project with focus on relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of project
plans in Delhi, J&K, Rajasthan, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh & Gujarat.
Study on Existing Models of Child Participation in Plan Programs, Plan India:Plan India’s
Country Strategic Plan (CSPIII) (2010-2015) was committed to child cantered community
development, whereby children had the right to participate as active citizens. Plan India
engaged IMaCS to study the existing models of child participation in its six projects in India at
- Delhi, Orissa, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh & Rajasthan.
Building of Consulting Practices - Experiences of Leading Consultants, Consultancy
Development Centre (CDC):CDC wished to develop a repository of knowledge on
Development Consulting - Project Experience
4
experiences of Indian consulting firms in building their consultancy businesses. The
assignment was undertaken using a mix of primary and secondary research.
Developing Village Health Plans in three districts in Uttarakhand, Uttarakhand Health
System Development Project (UAHSDP, Funded by The World Bank), India:UAHSDP
engaged IMaCS fordeveloping and preparing village health plans in three districts in
Uttarakhand. The main objective was to prepare participatory village health plans by
involving all segments of the village community, their organizations, representatives and
leaders, as well as relevant services, so that health care requirements were identified and
supply of good quality health services could be achieved in an equitable manner.
Development of Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Health Sector of
Uttarakhand for The World Bank, India:IMaCS was engaged to develop a Medium Term
Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 3-5 years which could also aid preparation of Phase II of
the World Bank support to the health sector in Uttarakhand. The MTEF was prepared to be
used as a tool for the medium-term planning of activities to be carried out in Uttarakhand’s
public health sector over five fiscal years - 2008/09 to 2012/13.
Preparation of Medium Term Expenditure framework (MTEF) and Public Expenditure
Review (PER) for Karnataka Health System Development & Reform Project (KHSDRP):MTEF
was prepared for use as a tool for the medium-term planning of activities. This MTEF was
prepared for five fiscal years 2010-2011 to 2015-2016 for KHSDRP projected public sector
health expenditure requirements in Karnataka –including NRHM and KHSDRP related
investments- and projected increases in manpower, civil works, drugs, equipment, etc., in a
broad and comprehensive manner. It also helped estimate the resource envelope, which
enabled to assess possible trade-offs and
Organizational Need Assessment for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC)
capacity within Ministry of Women and Child Development (MOWCD) for Academy for
Educational Development (AED):IMaCS was engaged for undertaking an Organizational
Needs Assessment (ONA) within MOWCD to assess Behavioural Change Communication
(BCC) capacity at the National level and in one State (Uttar Pradesh) and in its two Districts.
The scope was to assess current practices in planning, management and evaluation of BCC
activities in MOWCD and ICDS, including coordination with other program departments of
MOWCD at national and state levels; Coordination between ICDS with IEC / BCC section or
staff in counterpart organizations; Using social and behavior change perspective
identification of strengths that could be built upon and weaknesses that needed to be
addressed for effective planning, management, and evaluation of BCC activities focusing on
human resources, structural and organizational improvements, use of technology, etc.
Support to Directorate of ICDS, Social Welfare Department (SWD), Govt. of Bihar for
Baseline for Training - Assessing Knowledge of Key Cadres from Social Welfare Department
(ICDS) for Bihar Technical Assistance and Support Team (BTAST):Bihar Technical Assistance
Development Consulting - Project Experience
5
Support Team (BTAST) as part of its SWASTH initiative wanted to understand the key
knowledge gained by participants who attended its various trainings, key skills gained by
them, their level of enthusiasm, and motivation they gained as a result of these training
programmes. The scope of this mandate included setting up benchmarks for training of
various frontline ICDS workers, assessing the percentage of staff trained and assessing the
percentage of staff with adequate knowledge and skills on management of essential
nutrition and health issues
Rapid Assessment Study of MIS for ICDS in West Bengal, UNICEF, West Bengal:IMaCS was
entrusted by UNICEF to undertake rapid assessment of MIS for ICDS in West Bengal. The aim
of this rapid assessment was to analyze the current status of MIS systems within ICDS in
West Bengal and scope for strengthening these systems to overcome broader systemic
limitations. The focus was to improve state-level availability of data and its related analyses
to bring about an improvement in overall governance mechanisms.
Uttarakhand Health And Family Welfare Society State Level Evaluation Study of
“RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RBSY):Uttarakhand Department of Health and Family
Welfare Society, Uttarakhand engaged IMaCS to undertake an evaluation study assess
achievementsof the RSBY scheme in terms of whether it was helpful in overcoming financial
handicaps, improving access to quality medical care and providing financial protection
against high medical expenses.
External Evaluation of the GOAL India Programme Strategies in Health-CSP (2007-2011) for
GOAL India:GOAL , an international humanitarian organization, under its framework of
Country Strategic Plan (2007-2011), had implemented an integrated project for communities
in rural west Bengal – the “Model Villages Programme” with projects in Sunderbans, Purulia,
Jalpaiguri, and Murshidabad, urban communities in Kolkata with projects in the Eastern
Kolkata wetlands, Howrah, Mahestala, North 24 Parganas and metropolitan areas in and
around Kolkata. IMaCS was engaged by Goal India to examine the effectiveness of
approaches it followed in these project locations and for finding efficient strategies through
which the GOAL India led programme had been able to achieve improvements in health
status in similar resource poor settings.
Concurrent assessment of the Link Worker Scheme (LWS) including cost analysis in 81
districts for UNICEF:UNICEF and UNDP had engaged IMaCS to conduct a concurrent
assessment of the Link Worker Program across 44+37 districts (in two stages) in 11 states.
The assessment was designed as an evaluation of process besides, evaluation of
effectiveness. Process evaluation provided answers to both input (basic resources required
in terms of manpower, money, material, and time) and output (immediate service
improvement expressed as distributed commodities, trained staff, and services utilized).
Effectiveness evaluation provided answers to understand the extent to which objectives of
the program were achieved.
Development Consulting - Project Experience
6
Third Party Assessment of GOI-UNICEF Quality Package for Primary Education for United
Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), India Country Office:The assignment required undertaking
a third party impact assessment of UNICEF’s quality package (QP) in four states – Andhra
Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. The assessment was designed to inform and
affect UNICEF’s continuing support to quality primary education in the next tranche of
programming. The overall purpose of the study was to analyze effectiveness of UNICEF’s QP
by using– quantified participatory assessment methodology – designed by IMaCS earlier, to
evaluate how outputs behave with differing strengths of UNICEF investments in the 6 input
variables.
Services for Development of TOR for Cost Benefit Analysis for UNICEF’s Quality Package for
Primary Education for United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), India Country Office:IMaCS
developed the terms of reference for conducting cost-benefit analyses to measure the
impact of UNICEF’s quality interventions spread over 10,000 schools in 13 states. IMaCS also
designed an analytical framework to enable an integrated qualitative and quantitative
assessment of the interventions. Further, IMaCS devised the methodology to be employed to
situate the progress achieved in light of the context prevailing in the state, district and
primary schools –Discriminant Function Analysis based on Quantified Participatory
Assessment.
Study to assess the Corporal Punishment in Jharkhand: Violation of Child Rights in School
for UNICEF Jharkhand:Our scope of work was to find out the extent and practice of all forms
of corporal punishment prevalent in schools and observation homes; Assess attitude towards
corporal punishment as a stimulation to learn, and as a stimulation to remedy unacceptable
social behavior; Investigate efficacy of existing legal provisions banning the use of corporal
punishment in the state.
Monitoring and Evaluation of India Statistical Strengthening Project for the World
Bank:IMaCS was engaged by The World Bank to workin collaboration with the Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI) Government of India, in evaluating The
World Bank funded ISSP, an initiative to streamline and strengthen the statistical value chain
across the states in the country with the aim to provide timely and accurate data to decision
makers. We worked closely with MOSPI and state statistical departments to assess the
extent to which the main policy areas for reform programme had progressed and thereby
evaluated each State/UT across the indicators developed to map their progress. We also
assessed whether outputs as well as outcomes envisaged in the programme document had
been met.
Legal Aid Provision-Operational Strategy and services framework development for
supported legal aid clinics (LAC) for HIV affected communities for UNDP India: The
objective of this mandate was to document the legal support initiatives in 2 districts of Tamil
Nadu and 2 Districts of Andhra Pradesh besides other legal aid initiatives of SAATHII, Lawyers
Collective, HRLN etc. taking into account the successes, challenges and effectiveness from
Development Consulting - Project Experience
7
stakeholder perspectives. Based on the study, IMaCS developed an operational strategy and
service framework for up for scaling legal aid clinics in other regions of the country.
Establishing Monitoring and Tracking system for Investment Proposals received by the
State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB) in Bihar for World Bank Group:The objective was
to help improve implementation of single window system at various nodal
agencies/departments of Government of Bihar that were responsible for investment
clearances by developing a monitoring and tracking system of investments proposals in the
state. This monitoring and tracking system was envisaged as a tool to help the state
government in regular monitoring of investment proposals and identify bottlenecks, if any,
and serve as a
Developing and Implementing a Monitoring and Evaluation System for Panchayat and
Rural Development Department for Department for International Development (DFID) India: The objective was to design and support the implementation of a comprehensive and sustainable monitoring and evaluation system for PRDD of the GoWB. The design of M&E system was premised to support PRDD to (a) regularly track progress against project level outputs and outcomes including development outcomes for rural development (b) participatory monitoring system at the GP level (c) improvements in delivery of basic services by PRIs and (d) impact assessment based on existing benchmarks. The design was developed in collaboration with SRD team and based on existing M&E system being used by PRDD.
Establishing a Knowledge Node (KEN) in India as part of Integrated Support for a
Sustainable Urban Environment-2 for WASTE: WASTE, an international development
organization based in The Netherlands, and its Partners initiated the programme:- Integrated
Support for a Sustainable Urban Environment-2, (the ISSUE-2)in 2007. IMaCS was selected as
the official budget-holder on behalf of KEN for the period of two years starting 2009. IMaCS
set up the India KEN to provide ‘knowledge management’ services to DICOs and ISSUE
partners by channeling relevant and useful specialist information to augment their
knowledge base and thus improve their work on the ISSUE 2 programme in the field. The
term ‘knowledge management’ referred to (1) creating knowledge by collecting and
processing available or new information, (2) creating a web-based user-interface that is
clear, well-structured and user-friendly for effective communication of this collated
knowledge (3) creating effective communication channels to collect information requests
and receive feedback.
Regional Assessment of the Supply of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance
Management Capacity Development Services in India and Sri Lanka for Independent
Evaluation Group, The World Bank:The goal of the WB program in this region was to
contribute to strengthening the monitoring, evaluation, and performance management
capacity of partner countries to achieve development outcomes. In preparation for the
launch of the program, IEG was undertaking an assessment of the existing supply of M&E
Development Consulting - Project Experience
8
and PM capacity development and technical services in India and Sri Lanka. The assessment
served as contextual information for refining the objectives of the regional centers’ program.
Development of Methodologies for Capacity Building & Identification of Capacity Building
Service Providers for Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar:Department of
Panchayati Raj, Government of Bihar, engaged IMaCS to identify capacity building service
providers for capacity building of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and communities; and
develop and pilot methodologies for capacity building of PRIs and strengthening
communities with awareness and social accountability mechanisms so that they could
demand inclusive, responsive and accountable performance from PRIs in delivering
governance and services.
Investment climate improvement in Uttarakhand under GTZ Regional Economic
Development (RED) Programme for GTZ (Now GIZ) India:GTZ’s Regional Economic
Development program aims to promote Indo‐German economic cooperation by assisting the
state of Uttarakhand in bridging existing economic divide by fostering more inclusive growth
throughout the state.IMaCS designed an investment climate instrument so that it could
collect all relevant and context-specific quantitative information on issues that beset
Uttarakhand (or any Indian state) such as corruption, finance, regulation, taxation,
infrastructure, and labour. Further, qualitative information from interviews with key
stakeholders such as entrepreneurs (and their firms) was garnered though primary research
so that the prevailing investment climate could be analytically unpacked to develop
corresponding indicators that linked overall productivity, investment and employment
decisions of firms. An MSME index, based onsurvey data, was then designed to assess
various policy dimensions of investment climate.
Study to assess gaps responsible for low utilization of TSC among the tribal populations of
Orissa for UNICEF India:IMaCS’ scope of work involved identifying the existing level of
knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of communities in essentially excluded sections on
hygiene and sanitation, especially mothers, care-givers, children, adolescent girls, pregnant
women. IMaCS explored key knowledge gaps in the understanding of TSC provisions and
messages. We also created the evidence basis for setting standards, norms and designing
tools for monitoring of sanitation intervention with focus on ST areas. IMaCS proposed ways
tofollow-up and institutionalize recommendations on best practices building on filling the
key knowledge gaps. IMaCS also elaborated on capacity development modules for tribal
areas to strengthen poor performing gram panchayatsin sanitation and hygiene promotion.
We also undertook mapping of the social networks within villages.
System strengthening for effective behaviour change communication (BCC) in total
sanitation campaign (TSC) in Madhya Pradesh for United Nations Children Fund
(UNICEF):The objective of this assignment was to work closely with UNICEF and Government
of Madhya Pradesh as well as district administrations (in four districts in MP) to ensure that
the State Communication and Capacity Development Unit (CCDU) and State water and
Development Consulting - Project Experience
9
Sanitation Mission (SWSM) as well as four districts had the requisite systems and capacity for
effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of hygiene behaviour change
communications activities within the TSC programme.
Consulting services for Assessment of Procurement and Supply chain of zinc and ORS in
Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Micronutrient Initiative, Canada:Micronutrient Initiative (MI)
with its consortium partners Academy for Educational Development (AED) and John Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH)planned to implement a project to ensure high
uptakes of Zinc and ORS for sustained delivery at scale, in two Indian states: Uttar Pradesh
and Gujarat. IMaCS had been engaged to document the existing supply chain mechanism for
distribution of drugs (including) Zinc and ORS from state headquarter and district levels
through various channels of public health system. IMaCS also prepared district level supply
chain blueprints, including forecasting and inventory monitoring tools and identified key
supply chain bottlenecks and challenges for distribution of Zinc and ORS, in Gujarat and Uttar
Pradesh.
TA for pre signature of Round 9 HIV/AIDS grant to the Ministry of Labour and Employment
(MoLE), Grant Management Solutions (GMS) and Indian HIV/AIDS Alliance:IMaCS was part
of the team to support Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) Government of India, in
the areas of: Strengthening of institutional capacity , setting up of a Programme
Management Unit (PMU), development of management plan, development of operational
manuals and other procedures for grant management, strengthening of capacity for effective
financial management, strengthening capacity for effective management, putting in place
procedures for rapid & efficient financial disbursement.
Inventory of Business Licenses in Rajasthan, International Finance Corporation (IFC):The
scope of work for thismandate involved - identifying and preparing an inventory of business
licenses required for establishing businesses in the state. Our scope included selection of 20-
30 high-priority licenses, which were considered as the most burdensome and annoying for
businesses in Rajasthan.. Amongst these, we were required to, identify “high-priority”
licenses that were necessarily required and identify “quick-win” opportunities, or licenses
which could be removed.
Process Mapping Study of Bihar Commercial Tax Department, International Finance
Corporation (IFC):In order to gain an understanding of relevant issues and reform
imperatives, IFC engaged IMaCS for undertaking a process mapping study of the Bihar
Commercial Tax Department.The scope of work involvedidentification of key regulatory,
institutional and other stakeholders within the overall tax process in Bihar, defining and
outlining administrative processes for State VAT, evaluating state excise and other state-
administered taxes that impacted businesses. The processes covered the entire gamut of the
tax process, beginning with filing for tax identification number, filing returns, making tax
payments, tax auditing, appeals process, and so on.Scope also included developing an
inventory of other taxes/fees/licenses,along with a sketch of their key processes.
Development Consulting - Project Experience
10
Wedeveloped detailed maps of administrative processes and identified
inefficiencies/bottlenecks in the existing administrative system and pointed out priority
areas for re-engineering of administrative processes in order to improve efficiency of
administrative procedures.
Assistance in carrying out simplifications in prevailing business regulatory environment in
Bihar (“Licensing Reforms”), FIAS, the Multi Donor Investment Climate Advisory Service of
The World Bank Group:The objective of the study was to present to the state government
of Bihar a well researched and robust administrative “solutions” to problematic licenses.
The analysis included how three selected licenses could be re-engineered (e.g. by
reducing the number of procedures, time taken to issue license, merging two or more
licenses (or requirements), reforming inspections etc.) including appropriately
redesigning the relevant forms etc., with a focus on administrative reforms rather than
policy reforms.
Assessment of potential for export of Consultancy Services from India to four European
countries – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, Department of Scientific &
Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India: The primary
aim of the study was to identify potential for export of management and engineering
consulting services from India to these four European nations. This involved exploring and
identifying potential sectors/markets/projects which offered such opportunities, gaining an
understanding of consulting requirements and capabilities within target countries to identify
gaps, assessing market access requirements and finally assessing the perception of potential
clients and also evaluating the competitiveness of Indian consulting organizations against
international firms.
Assessment of potential for export of Consultancy Services from India to four European
countries – Botswana, Ethiopia, Mozambique and South Africa, Department of Scientific &
Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India:The primary
aim of the study was to identify potential for export of management and engineering
consulting services from India to these four African nations. This involved exploring and
identifying potential sectors/markets/projects which offered such opportunities, gaining an
understanding of consulting requirements and capabilities within target countries to identify
gaps, assessing market access requirements and finally assessing the perception of potential
clients and also evaluating the competitiveness of Indian consulting organizations against
international firms.
Assessment of potential for export of Consultancy Services from India to four African
countries – Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, Consultancy Development Centre,
Government of India:The primary aim of the study was to identify export of financial,
management and engineering consulting services from India to these four African nations.
This involved exploring and identifying potential sectors/markets/projects which offer such
opportunity, gaining an understanding of consulting requirements and capabilities within
Development Consulting - Project Experience
11
target countries to identify gaps, assessing market access requirements and finally assessing
the perception and competitiveness of Indian consulting organizations vis-à-vis international
consulting organizations.
Review and Assessment of Government of Bihar’s regulatory framework for Business and
Single Window System, World Bank Institute, Washington:As part of its capacity building
support to the Government of Bihar on regulatory reforms, the World Bank Institute,
together with colleagues from the Bank’s South Asia region, undertook a review and
assessment of theregulatory scenario in Bihar. IMaCS was appointed by the World Bank
Institute, Washington to conduct a detailed study of the regulatory framework for business
in the state of Bihar.
Improving Investment Climate in Indian States, Single Window Systems - Best Practices and
Lessons, World Bank Institute, Washington:The objective of this study was to identify best
practices and lessons in business regulatory practices and reforms in Indian states with
specific focus on single window systems. The states selected for detailed study of included
Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan& Gujarat.
Study on Growth Diagnostics in Bihar, DFID India:DFID was supporting reforms in
administration, human resource management, health and nutrition and urban
management in Bihar. The objective of this study was to understand key growth and
employment drivers for Bihar, as well as key constraints to achieving and sustaining.
Study on Assessment of Business/Investment climate issues related to development of
Road Construction industry in India, The World Bank, India:IMaCS was engaged by the
World Bank to assess business environment/investment climate/regulatory framework
issues constraining the growth and expansion of the road construction industry in India.
Studying Investment Climate for Jharkhand, India, The World Bank, India: The objectives of
this study was to identify the potential improvements that could be achieved in Jharkhand’s
investment climate by undertaking policy changes /interventions, thus augmenting the state
government’s ‘integrated offer’ to potential investors and benchmarking its attractiveness as
an investment location vis-à-vis other progressive Indian states.
Assessing the scope and impact of information dissemination through mobile SMS on
profit margins of local agricultural produce and increase in the incomes of hill farmers of
Uttarakhand, Deutsche GesellschaftfürInternationaleZusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH,
Uttarakhand:GIZ facilitated implementation of agriculture Information dissemination
through SMS in Uttarakhand with the aim of addressing information gaps faced by small and
marginal farmers. This GIZ initiative was a part of its Regional Economic Development (RED)
Programme and was implemented in partnership with the local agencies such as GRAMYA,
ULIPH and HARC with technical support from Reuters Market Light (RML). GIZ engaged
IMaCS to undertake a diagnostic study which was completed using a mix of primary and
secondary research. Based on the review of available secondary information, case studies
Development Consulting - Project Experience
12
and initial discussions with client, IMaCS identified key stakeholders i.e. Farmers subscribing
to mobile phone enabled services of RML (users, subscribers); Farmers owning mobile phone
but not subscribing to mobile phone enabled services (non-users); GRAMYA/ULIPH/NABARD
officials; HARC, CHEA and other local NGOs; Service Providers. These stakeholders were
contacted and information gathered from them using diverse tools including focus group
discussions andinterviews.
Advising on a scheme for Supporting Creation of Shared Infrastructure for Mobile Services
in Rural Areas, Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Dept. of Telecommunication,
GoI:IMaCS had been engaged for conceptualizing and developing the methodology for
support and assisting USOF in the bid design and bid process management for this
scheme.
Assessment and configuration of the national level cold chain infrastructure for exporting
agro-perishables, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI:Our scope of work was to analyze the
entirevalue chain of agro-perishables from farm-gate to the export market in order to
develop a road map for developing cold chain infrastructure for promoting exports of agri-
perishables.
Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) Research Study, USAID, Microsoft and
Development Alternatives:The objective of the study was to enable USAID and Microsoft
to explore existing use of ICT in development through: documentation of the impact of
ICT oriented initiatives on the ground; identifying the enabling environment (cultural,
geographical, institutional, policies, legal, demographic features, technological factors
etc) that allows (or does not allow) ICT applications to strengthen and accelerate
development efforts; provide inputs regarding the extent, utility and design of deploying
an Internet based platform to create a marketplace for US–India development sector
participants.
Review of Polices and Regulatory Frameworks For Urban On-Site Sanitation in India, World
Bank Water & Sanitation Programme South Asia (WSP-SA):The study aimed to review the
existing practices in the country and thereafter reviewed the existing policies and regulations
on on-site sanitation in other developed countries. Following review of existing practices in
the country and existing policies and regulations in developed/developing countries, model
rules and regulations and monitoring and evaluation framework were developed. Finally, a
simple easy-to-use spread sheet model on various financial aspects of on-site sanitation was
developed.
Evaluation of the accelerated rural water supply programme (ARWSP) in Meghalaya,
Government of Meghalaya, Directorate of Programme Implementation & Evaluation: The
main objective of the study was to assess the performance, processes of implementation,
and effectiveness of the delivery systems and to study the factors contributing to successes
Development Consulting - Project Experience
13
and/or failures of the ARWSP. The study objective was to identify existing snags if any and
devise strategies to improve performance of the program in Meghalaya.
Reviewing/Improving Project Preparation and Design for Urban Sanitation Projects, World
Bank Water & Sanitation Programme South Asia (WSP-SA):Reviewed 6-9 DPRs in the
sanitation sector (projects to be selected in consultation with MoUD), Prepared a note on
the review findings & lessons from these DPRs Identified key issues that currently face
project preparation and design process and drafted a checklist for utility managers to use
while planning and identifying projects
Feasibility Study For Establishment Of Economic Development Zone InPwani, Tanzania for
Export Processing Zones Authority:The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania had
established the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) to lead development of Export
Processing Zones in Tanzania. EPZA was interested to explore the feasibility of establishment
of an Economic Development Zone (EDZ’s) in Pwani and engaged a consortium led by
IMaCS.We undertook a resource assessment of the region for assessing the potential for
establishment of local resource based, besides potentially export substitution product’s
manufacturing units within the EDZ. Based on estimates of demand, manufacturing
capacities were sized and space requirements calculated. This was mapped onto the
identified location. Provision of common facilities, utilities and roads was calculated and a
total cost of project was estimated. Based on these data the economic and market feasibility
for the EDZ was estimated and presented to client.
Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor (KUSP), Support to ULBs for compilation of DDP and
internal appraisal of DDP for Non KMA ULBs in West Bengal, Change Management Unit
(CMU):objective of the assignment was to assess the state of District Development
Plan(DDP) preparation of ULBs and prepare a phased plan for providing support;
Identifying gaps in the DDPs and provide additional support to the district administration
after finalizing support requirements in consultation with the CMU.
Designing Programme Management and Delivery Mechanisms for the Climate Change
Adaptation (CCA) Programme in the Northeast, KREDITANSTALT FÜR WIEDERAUFBAU,
Frankfurt am Main ("KfW"):The mandate required us to design institutional arrangements
and funds flow mechanisms at the Central Government, regional and state government level
for six states in north eastern states in India. The objective of the assignment was
development of a detailed framework outlining the proposed organizational set-up which
was to be lean and flat enough to be effective and efficient for management and delivery of
the Programme. IMaCS advised on ways to effectively utilize the existing set-up of GoI and
State Governments rather than creating a new structure, elaborating on roles of different
institutions/organizations on responsibilities for functions like programme delivery, quality
control, reporting and monitoring, policy support and development, funds flow and
management, providing details on national/international external support (if required) for
Development Consulting - Project Experience
14
efficient and effective delivery of the Programme, including development and
implementation of screening methodology.
Knowledge partners to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI)
Government of India for providing technical, logistical support for organizing workshops in
Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram under the World Bank funded India Statistical
Strengthening Project (ISSSP), The World Bank:IMaCS provided technical assistance to
MOSPI in developing literature/material/presentations for ISSSP workshops and assisted
MOSPI in finalizing presentations and papers which were to be used for these
workshops.
Knowledge partners to Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI)
Government of India for providing technical, logistical support for organizing workshops in
Patna and Shillong under the World Bank funded India Statistical Strengthening Project
(ISSSP), The World Bank:IMaCS provided technical assistance to MOSPI in developing
literature/material/presentations for the workshops and assisted MOSPI in finalizing
presentations and papers which were to be used for the workshops
Providing technical assistance to prepare a report on the progress made in the area of
Public Finance Management in India, ECORYS:The objective of this mandate was to
evaluate the progress of performance of public financial management (PFM) system at
the central government and at state levels, with a focus on health and education sectors.
Development of Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Australian Sports Outreach
Programme (ASOP), ECORYS, UK:Ecorys, together with IMaCS, was commissioned by the
Australian Sports Commission to develop a monitoring and evaluation strategy,
framework and tools for the Australian Sports Outreach Programme in India. The scope
of work involved undertakingprimary research through field visits and consultations with
partner agencies and associated stakeholders, consultatively reviewing existing
monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and practices, and facilitating the articulation
of individual project M&E frameworks and logic models. Based on our research a M&E
tool was developed for use by ASOP partners.
Review of India Development and Economic Assistance (IDEAS) Scheme, Exim Bank: The
scope of work of required us to examine the performance of concessional Lines of credit
extended through Exim Bank to various countries in the past 5 years. IMaCS was required to
assess theeffectiveness of the Scheme in enabling India to realize its political and strategic
considerations that underlie extension of concessional Lines of credit to developing
countries.
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs in UNICEF in Chhattisgarh, UNICEF India:
Development Consulting - Project Experience
15
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs in UNICEF Gujarat,UNICEF India.
Services of a gender consultant for the Office of the Registrar General of India for Post
Census 2011 activities, UNWOMEN:
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs in UNICEF Maharashtra, UNICEF India:
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human
resources management for Carpet Belt programme in Uttar Pradesh, UNICEF India:
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs in UNICEF North Eastern States, UNICEF India:
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs and operation sections in UNICEF India Country Office.
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs and operation sections in UNICEF West Bengal:
Long Term Agreement to provide technical assistance towards financial and human resource
management for various programs and operation sections in UNICEF Jharkhand:
UNICEF, Jharkhand, Consulting services to HR Support for recruitment services:
Technical assistance towards financial and human resource management for UNICEF
programmes being implemented across Bihar. UNICEF India:
ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited www.imacs.in
I M a C S Corporate Office:
Logix Park, First Floor, Tower A4 & A5, Sector - 16,
Noida - 201 301 Tel: +91-120-4515 800 Fax: +91-120-4515 850
Registered Office:
1105, Kailash Building, 11th Floor 26 Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi – 110001 Tel: +91-11-2335 7940-50
Fax: +91-11-2335 7014
Contact: Mr. Arijit Bhattacharya Sector Head—Development Consulting Group ICRA Management Consulting Services Limited (IMaCS) Logix Park, 1st Floor, Plot No. A4 and A5, Sector 16, Noida – 201 301 INDIA Tel: +91-120- 4515800 (Board) Mobile: +91-9818672167 Fax: +91-120-4515850 Email: [email protected]