5. Implementation

Overview Diagram Steps Tools

What is the Implementation Stage?

This is where the operation is done. The Implementation Stage is based on the Operational Plan and is divided into three phases:
 
  1. Pre-Implementation Phase:  Final preparations are undertaken. 
In this phase preparation activities identified in the Operational Plan are carried out.  These may include:
  • Training the team
  • Completing any trials
  • Field testing new or unproven equipment
  • Sourcing all equipment and consents
  • Completing readiness checks
  • Pre-Operation monitoring to measure the baseline for the indicators before the operation takes place
  • Implementing the prevention component of the Biosecurity Plan.
Note: Biosecurity measures must be in place before the Implementation Phase to prevent new invasive species being introduced by the operation. 
 
  1. Implementation Phase:  The actual treatment of the target species (eradication or control) at the project site.  For invasive plants, this may take several years.
This phase may be different for each invasive species project and for each target species being dealt with.  However there are similarities and by the start of this phase each project should have:
  • An Operational Plan to work to,
  • A team of motivated, capable people with good support,
  • The necessary financial resources
  • The necessary equipment/material/tools,
  • All permissions/consents.
 
The Operational Plan describes the details of the treatments and should be followed closely.  Remember when doing the field work to “stick to the plan”:
  • Unplanned changes increase the risk of failure
  • Take time to think and discuss any changes
 
Part of the planning is being clear about who has the authority to make decisions (see Project Plan).
Where possible, have experienced people on-site, or on-call, for discussions that support the Project Manager’s decision-making – those present at the site are best able to judge local conditions.
 
  1. Post-Implementation Phase: 
    • After the operation there are a number of post-treatment activities to complete, e.g. clean up rubbish, remove public warning signs. 
    • The Project Manager will prepare an Operational Review with the team to record how the operation went and what could be done differently next time. 
NOTE: this is especially important with invasive plant projects which may have annual treatments for several years.
  • For some projects, post-treatment monitoring will occur soon after the operation, for other projects it may be several months before undertaking the post-operation monitoring. 
 

Why Do It?

The benefits of the Implementation Stage:
  • Dedicating enough time and resources to preparation for the Implementation Stage significantly increases the chances of success of the Operational Phase and the Sustaining the Project Stage.
  • Benefits of the operation will have been developed during the Feasibility and Project Design Stages and will be documented in the Project Plan.
 

Who Should Be Involved?

Project Manager: 
  • Has overall responsibility for the project.  Is responsible for ensuring the team has all the skilled people necessary.  Uses the Operational Review to help prepare for the next implementation phase or the next project. 
Project Team:  
  • Complete activities required for successful Implementation.  Where possible, the team should include experienced persons who can support the Project Manager on site. 
Local community:  
  • May be part of the operation.  To provide the necessary manpower, local communities often take part in the actual operation.  
Stakeholders:  
  • Notified of progress. 
Independent Technical Advisor:  
  • Reviews any major changes to the Operational Plan to help assess impact to successful Implementation of the operation.