Title: Strategic resource investment methodology for developing countries

Authors: John V. Farr; Kenneth W. McDonald

Addresses: Center for Nation Reconstruction and Capacity Development, Department of Systems Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA ' Center for Nation Reconstruction and Capacity Development, Department of Systems Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA

Abstract: In order to responsibly manage and direct aid in developing countries, we need methods, processes, and quantitative analytical tools to determine where to invest scarce resources, what are the capabilities gaps, and the effectiveness of certain types of investments in closing the gaps. The methodology presented herein partially addresses this systemic issue. Specifically, this paper introduces the strategic resource investment methodology (SRIM) for this purpose. This five step process includes an establish context, problem definition and conduct the needs assessment/stakeholder requirements, solution design, decision-making, and implementation and monitoring phases iterative systems process. The SRIM is the first step by the nation reconstruction and capacity development community (NR/CD) in developing a systems process to document the cradle to grave life cycle approach for NR/CD.

Keywords: nation reconstruction; systems process; life cycle approach; resource allocation; capacity development; multiobjective decision analysis; investment strategy; developing countries; aid management; needs assessment; stakeholder requirements.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDIPE.2013.057021

International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 2013 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.329 - 348

Received: 26 Feb 2013
Accepted: 18 Jun 2013
Published online: 12 Jul 2014 *

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