REDC Hosts Programme on Decision-making & Problem-solving for KPK Officers & Ministry of Water Resources

The Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC) at LUMS hosted a 5-day programme on 'Strategic decision-making and problem-solving' for public sector officials engaged with the implementation of USAID funded programme on Water Management for Enhanced Productivity (WMfEP). The programme that is being implemented through a partnership with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), was designed and offered in the backdrop of ongoing projects and activities within the irrigation and agriculture sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Directed by Dr. Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, and supported in teaching by Dr. Jamshed H. Khan, Dr. Adeel Zaffar, Dr. Jawad Syed and Dr. Ghazal Zulfiqar, the programme provided learning opportunities to mid-level and senior management of GoKP and Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) sensitising them to understand and capitalise on the challenges and opportunities of their industry.

During the 5-day engagement, the participants learned about the impact of leadership styles on decision-making, data analysis, negotiation skills, managing diversity, team building and working effectively with the development sector to make sensible trade-offs using the available resources.

Instructors of the programme emphasised that decisive leadership and problem-solving is crucial to the successful implementation of any project or activity and the organisation and their stakeholders alike, benefit from these effective leadership skills.

Speakers from the USAID highlighted the need to embrace the changing dynamics of the sector and encouraged participants to find new and innovative ways to manage the challenges which could prevent water scarcity in the coming times.

Despite significant investments in water resources and infrastructure development by Government of Pakistan and its partners, good water governance and water management continue to constrain achieving national development objectives. In an agrarian country like Pakistan, it is imminent to build the knowledge and capacity for public sector employees working on initiatives which could assist in better management of water resources and steer the country out of the crisis situation.

The programme proved to be impactful; the participants gave positive feedback and appreciated the effectiveness of the programme. “Excellent programme experience! I look forward to attending future programmes at REDC,” said Dr. Kamran Farid, District Director, Livestock. “Very Informative sessions, designed to make a good leader with problem-solving methodologies. This is one of the best programmes I have ever attended,” added Engr. Nazeer Abbas, Director, Agriculture Engineering.