Outline of lecture

This course aims at introducing practical approaches to development projects. Traditional teaching in the classroom based on lectures and exams, often do not address the need for practical, problem-solving skills. The important and crucial ability for effective project management is the ability to think, analyze, discuss, and develop solutions to problems as professionals may encounter in the field. The case method is an effective approach to strengthening these skills.

Purpose of lecture

The meaning of 窶彭evelopment窶� in the context of international development had evolved during the past 30 years. A variety of international organizations as well as bilateral aid organizations all over the world participated in different areas of development. At the same time, the measurement and/or indicators of 窶彭evelopment窶� faced significant changes. By all means, the management of international development projects is not a simple task. There is no 窶彙est manual窶� to follow. Recent development projects require more integration of different fields, such as education, health, industry, economy, engineering, law and others. Given this background, it is increasingly important that professionals must understand and be able to design practical approaches to overcome various kinds of problems. These approaches often require the participants to create effective working relationships with practitioners in other field, governments, and organizations. This process involves a series of analysis and compromise.

Plan of lecture

This course aims at introducing practical approaches to development projects. Traditional teaching in the classroom based on lectures and exams, often do not address the need for practical, problem-solving skills. The important and crucial ability for effective project management is the ability to think, analyze, discuss, and develop solutions to problems as professionals may encounter in the field. The case method is an effective approach to strengthening these skills.

Textbook and reference

1. Chambers, Robert (1983), Rural Development: Putting the Last First, Longman, Harlow.
2. Chambers, Robert (1997), Whose Reality Counts?: Putting the First Last, ITDG publishing.
Selected reading materials from a variety of development study readers as well as different UN publications.
One case from different field will be assigned every other week along with appropriate materials.

Related and/or prerequisite courses

None

Evaluation

Participation:
1. Students are expected read the assigned materials and answer the questions provided prior to the class. Class discussion will be based on the knowledge of the reading materials as well as your interest and experiences in development field.
2. Students are expected to read the case thoroughly in advance, to prepare to participate in discussion, as well as role playing for the given cases. Questions related to the case are provided in advance and students are expected to answer questions with own ideas and to share experiences, if any.

Writing analysis paper: Students shall choose one or two cases to write analysis paper. For each case, main questions are listed. Students are expected to analyze the case according to the questions and prepare to present own ideas on how to come up with solving problems.