This collaborative project is called “Phetogo” which means “change” in Setswana. The overarching aim of the project is two-fold: To develop new tools and methods for productivity development in private companies in Botswana, and to increase Botswana National Productivity Centre’s (BNPC) capacity to carry through further private sector development.
The project has evolved through three phases: The first phase took place in 1998 and 1999, while the second phase was carried out in 2005 and 2006. The third phase is located to the period 2006 to 2009.
Phase I - P2000 Toolbox
The major Phase I output was a computerized framework containing improvement tools and methods. This framework was given the name P2000 Toolbox. The methodological content was created through a research and development process between researchers from BNPC and SINTEF. Workshops and discussions among the team members; on what measures to include, how to understand the chosen tools/methods, and what structure and form of presentation to use; were central to the project. Different commercial companies in Botswana were also consulted, to get their opinions on how to make a Toolbox that would work effectively under local circumstances. The first phase ended in a national conference in Gaborone where the Toolbox was presented. The response from the participants was very positive.
Phase II - Training and excercise
In 2004, BNPC contacted SINTEF with a request for further training on the Toolbox, following recruitment of new research staff. The training was carried out by SINTEF for two weeks in October 2005. The training consisted of lessons and exercises. To make the exercises meaningful, data from three local companies from the private sector were collected and used as input to the Toolbox. The major lesson learned in phase II was to be less concerned about the computerized tool as such, and focus more on the application of the methodology. The Toolbox was an important aid for development of the methodology and for training of trainers. However, when it came to practice there was need for other forms of presentation, as well as adaptations and supplements suited to each sector and each company in question.
Phase III - Phetogo Methodology
The third phase focused on comprehensive training of BNPC staff and implementation of improvements at the contributing companies in Botswana. Starting from 2006, this phase saw the birth of what has been termed the Phetogo Methodology. The Phetogo Methodology is based on the same theories and methods as the original Toolbox, but handles the improvement work in a more flexible and dialogical way, centred on the lived realities encountered in each company. Via close cooperation between the researchers from BNPC and SINTEF, knowledge was transferred to BNPC participants through visits and practical improvement work in commercial companies. The third phase was closed with a national conference in Gaborone including, among others, key speeches from the executive managers of the participating companies. Their final remarks were: “We cannot stop now!”
Contact: Håkon Hynne / Eirik Borgen
