Case Study: Strengthening Project Management Capability at CIPS HPA 

Executive Summary

CIPS HPA (Health Procurement Africa) recognized the need to strengthen its internal project management capability and align staff with globally recognized best practices. This case study explores the organization’s strategic partnership with iCentra to deliver a tailored PMP preparation and capability development program, resulting in 100% certification success, enhanced project delivery, and embedded process improvements across its health-focused initiatives.

Background

Organizational Context
CIPS HPA is a specialized organization focused on strengthening procurement and supply chain systems within the healthcare sector across Africa. By supporting governments, development partners, and private sector actors, CIPS HPA ensures efficient, transparent, and sustainable delivery of health commodities and services.

To remain competitive and deliver consistently, CIPS HPA needed to:

• Align staff project management skills with PMI standards
• Improve end-to-end project delivery processes
• Embed practical improvements into project management workflows
• Enhance agility, responsiveness, and delivery outcomes

Initial Challenge
Prior to iCentra’s intervention, CIPS HPA faced several challenges:

• Limited standardized project management processes aligned with global frameworks
• Low internal certification in project management (PMP)
• Inconsistent project execution across teams
• Lack of embedded Agile and modern delivery practices to enhance efficiency

Project Approach

Partnership with iCentra
CIPS HPA engaged iCentra to design and deliver a customized PMP training and capability development program. The initiative was comprehensive and hands-on, involving:

Initial Assessment

• Evaluated existing project management practices and maturity
• Identified gaps in skills, processes, and methodologies
• Developed a tailored training program aligned with CIPS HPA’s operational context

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engaged leadership and project teams to ensure buy-in and relevance
• Integrated real projects as case studies to reinforce practical application

Program Design & Delivery

• Tailored instructor-led PMP sessions aligned with PMI standards
• Practical, scenario-driven exercises and workshops
• Coaching and mentoring to support application of skills in live projects

Key Project Objectives
The program focused on:

• Achieving PMP certification for all participants
• Embedding process and Agile practices for immediate operational impact
• Improving project planning, execution, and stakeholder engagement
• Strengthening organizational capacity and alignment with global standards

Implementation Process: Phases of Implementation

Diagnostic Phase

• Assessed existing project management maturity and skill levels
• Analyzed current workflows and identified areas for improvement

Program Design & Training

• Developed tailored PMP preparation modules with scenario-based exercises
• Delivered instructor-led sessions using CIPS HPA’s live projects as case studies

Coaching & Mentoring

• One-on-one and group coaching sessions to reinforce learning
• Guided application of Agile and modern project management practices

Post-Training Support

• Provided exam readiness support and practice tests
• Supported teams in implementing actionable improvements in project workflows

Outcomes and Impact

Organizational Benefits

• 100% PMP Certification Success: All participants passed the exam on their first attempt
• Process Transformation: Teams implemented Agile practices and process improvements immediately
• Enhanced Project Delivery: Structured methodologies improved planning, execution, and stakeholder management
• Global Alignment: CIPS HPA now operates with globally recognized project management standards, boosting credibility and operational performance

Continuous Evolution
The partnership with iCentra has positioned CIPS HPA to continuously improve project delivery processes, sustain global standards, and strengthen organizational capacity across health-focused initiatives.

Conclusion

The collaboration between CIPS HPA and iCentra demonstrates the value of structured, tailored capability development. By embedding globally recognized project management practices and practical process improvements, CIPS HPA is now better equipped to deliver projects efficiently and consistently across Africa’s healthcare sector.

Key Lessons Learned

• Tailored, practical training ensures relevance and adoption
• Coaching and mentoring accelerate application of skills in real projects
• Embedding modern practices improves organizational agility and performance

Future Outlook

CIPS HPA continues to strengthen project management capabilities, implement process improvements, and maintain globally aligned standards, ensuring sustainable and efficient delivery of healthcare projects.