Management in Development A

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Understanding of development issues and project management

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject involves the study of development practice. It focuses on ways in which development practitioners can work effectively with communities to achieve development outcomes.

The structure of the subject is based on a project cycle for a community-based initiative. First, we consider the assessment of local needs and the methods available to achieve a proper understanding of local priorities. Then we work on the project design process, considering the options available for an effective project design and the implications of each one. We move on to consider how best to attract and mobilise resources, including communicating through project design documents and proposals. And then we learn about effective project management. The final session addresses questions of innovation in development practice and looks at recent developments in processes, concepts and methods.

Along the way, extensive use will be made of real-life case studies, stories and the voices and opinions of people working on practical development projects, especially practitioners and community members. The challenges and compromises faced in tackling complex economic, social and human development issues are discussed throughout the subject. Students will engage in group work and participatory learning methods.

On completion of this subject, students will:

• Be equipped with essential skills in development practice

• Have a comprehensive understanding of participatory development methodologies

• Have developed skills in communicating on development practice

• Be able to engage with the complexities of complex projects that focus on community level social and economic development

• Understand the knowledge and aptitude required to be effective development practitioners, independently and as members of a team

A 2,000 word essay (40%) due mid-semester, and a 3,000 word essay (60%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, Lecture/Seminar attendance is compulsory on all 5 days. Regular participation in class is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

An online subject reader will be provided.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject, students will have:

• Skills in financial management of development programs/projects;
• Skills in local resource mobilization;
• Skills in development training;
• Skills in working independently and being members of a team;
• The ability to find solutions to deal with obstacles and risks encountered during development project management at the grassroots level.

Management in Development A (semester 1) and Management in Development B (semester 2) will cover different topics and can be taken as single subjects. A is not a prerequisite for B and vice-versa.