Research Article

Conceptualizing irrigation project modernization through benchmarking and the rapid appraisal process†

  1. Charles M. Burt*,
  2. Stuart W. Styles

Article first published online: 5 MAY 2004

DOI: 10.1002/ird.127

Issue

Irrigation and Drainage

Irrigation and Drainage

Special Issue: Benchmarking in the Irrigation and Drainage Sector

Volume 53, Issue 2, pages 145–154, June 2004

Additional Information

How to Cite

Burt, C. M. and Styles, S. W. (2004), Conceptualizing irrigation project modernization through benchmarking and the rapid appraisal process. Irrig. and Drain., 53: 145–154. doi: 10.1002/ird.127

Author Information

  1. Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC), BioResource and Agricultural Engineering (BRAE) Dept, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

*Irrigation Training and Research Center, BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Dept, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA.

  1. †

    Conceptualisation de la modernisation de projet d'irrigation par le benchmarking et le processus rapide d'évaluation.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 5 MAY 2004
  2. Article first published online: 5 MAY 2004

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Keywords:

  • irrigation;
  • benchmarking;
  • modernization;
  • rapid appraisal process;
  • performance indicators;
  • confidence intervals
  • irrigation;
  • benchmarking;
  • modernisation;
  • processus, d'évaluation rapide;
  • indicateurs de performance;
  • intervalles de confiance

Abstract

Benchmarking is defined as a systematic process for achieving continued improvement in the irrigation sector through comparisons with relevant and achievable internal or external goals, norms, and standards. The three aspects of benchmarking are: evaluation of technical indicators (both internal and external); appraisal of the system processes; and an evaluation of service to users and their satisfaction with that service.

The authors have incorporated all three components into a training program in which project staff learn the concepts of modernization and then evaluate their own project in a systematic rapid appraisal process (RAP). At the end of the training, internal and external indicators are developed for the project, and the local staff develop a priority list for modernization of the project. This paper will present the concepts of the RAP. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Le benchmarking est un procédé systématique permettant l'amélioration des performancesde l'irrigation par comparaison avec des objectifs internes ou externes, des normes et des critères appropriés et réalisables. Les trois aspects du benchmarking sont: l'évaluation des indicateurs techniques (à la fois internes et externes); l'appréciation du fonctionnement du système et l'évaluation des services rendus et la satisfaction des usagers.

Les auteurs ont incorporé chacune des trois composantes à dans programme de formation dans lequel le personnel de projet se familiarise avec les concepts de modernisation et évalue ensuite son propre projet dans un processus systématique d'évaluation rapide (RAP). À la fin de la formation, des indicateurs internes et externes sont développés pour le projet, et le personnel local développe une liste prioritaire d'actions pour l'amélioration du projet. Cet article présente les concepts du RAP. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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