Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

Entry to fourth year or Masters

N/A

N/A

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon
academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation
in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

This subject develops the skills to understand and assess the social impacts of development, including international development projects, resource management, and proposed infrastructure or new policies. We do this in two ways: by looking at how to assess the impacts of proposed projects, and through evaluation techniques for existing developments or projects. In each case we develop practical skills and interdisciplinary techniques to appraise and evaluate impacts. These techniques draw from anthropology, development studies, and the policy sciences, and move beyond simple summative assessments and financial accounting. We consider the social and environmental contexts in which any form of appraisal is embedded, and the capacities of different actors (from the state to NGOs and community groups) to avert or mitigate negative impacts through learning, negotiation, and citizen participation. Examples, some presented by guest speakers, are drawn from Australia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. At the completion of the subject students will have developed the conceptual skills to understand the impacts of development; be familiar with the range of methodologies and techniques used in impact assessment; understand development evaluation; and will be able to apply this in critical evaluation of the impact of projects and programmes.

To develop the skills to understand and assess the social impacts and to evaluate development, including international development projects, resource management, and planning proposals.

An essay of 3,000 words (70%) due at the end of Semester and a project report of 2,000 words (30%) due mid Semester.

The Learning Management System (LMS) will be used for all readings. See also the journals 'Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal', and 'Development in Practice'.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• understand the role of SIA in the planning systems of western countries

• understand evaluation techniquesinternational development projects

• understand critical theories of evaluation and impact

• be able to apply knowledge gained in the subject to conduct Social Impact Assessments and development evaluations.