DESIGNING PROJECTS IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD

The RAPTA process has seven linked components
(See Figure 3), briefly summarized in this chapter. See
Chapter 3 for more detail.
The components shown in blue are critical supporting
processes for assessing resilience and identifying adaptation
and transformation options. These guidelines
build on existing project design tools and link to elements
that are already a familiar part of project design
processes (such as Scoping and Theory of Change). We
recommend small changes to these elements in order to
realise the benefits of the RAPTA approach. Therefore,
these guidelines emphasize adjusting, not replacing,
standard elements of project design and management.
RAPTA’s unique features are the three components at
the centre of the diagram (System Description, System
Assessment and Options and Pathways). Some
project design processes already include these components,
but the RAPTA approach may differ substantially
from current practice. We therefore provide
more detail on how to apply them.
2.1 SCOPING
Scoping is a standard component of project development
that summarises the purpose and nature of the
project. The RAPTA guidelines include it for completeness,
and to highlight the aspects of scoping that are
unique to RAPTA. The RAPTA approach encourages
a deep understanding of the system, challenges
faced, and how to address them effectively through
adaptive implementation pathways. Applying RAPTA
in the project conceptualisation stage (Phase 1, Identification,
in Figure 2) involves a “light pass” through
all seven process components, after which Scoping
should be revisited to confirm or revise the initial plan.
RAPTA PROCESS
1. Scoping
2. Engagement &
Governance
3. Theory of
Change
4. System
Description
5. System
Assessment
6. Options &
Pathways
7. Learning
Figure 3 Overview of the RAPTA process detailed in these Guidelines
Applying RAPTA is an iterative process. Though numbered for ease of reference, the components can be applied in whatever order
best suits the specific context. The components in blue are both discrete steps and ongoing processes. They are a routine part of most
development projects but are included here because they are critical to applying RAPTA successfully. Some may need to be modified
to reflect RAPTA concepts. The heart of what is new in bringing RAPTA into project design is shown in the centre – System Description,
System Assessment, and Options and Pathways.
Overview of RAPTA process 27