| Unit name | International Development Organisations |
|---|---|
| Unit code | POLIM2048 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Fornes |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
This unit aims at analysing and applying concepts, tools, and techniques for the effective management and successful development/non-profit organisations. It cover topics such as basics of management, marketing and fundraising, human resources, corporate social responsibility, effective public-private partnerships, the value-based organisation, finance and the "triple" bottom line, running an organisation in developing countries, etc. The methodology is based on case studies, so participants will have the opportunity to practice using real situations. This is expected to give students a simulated hands-on perspective of management. The unit concludes with the development and presentation of a plan for the creation of an international development organisation.
Aims:
This unit aims at analysing and applying concepts, tools, and techniques for the effective management and successful development of non-profit organisations. It cover topics such as basics of management, marketing and fundraising, human resources, corporate social responsibility, effective public-private partnerships, the value-based organisation, finance and the "triple" bottom line, running an organisation in developing countries, etc.
At the end of the course, it is expected that students will acquire:
There are ten seminars in the unit, attendance is compulsory. Every session is based on both the readings and the case studies assigned for this day. Each session will be divided into two parts: first, a discussion on the issues assigned for this day; second, the presentation and analysis of a case study. The objective of this is linking concepts with practice. The unit's material/case studies are posted on Blackboard and all the communication will be handled using this system. Participants should visit Blackboard for new information and updates on a regular basis.
The class is divided into groups of 3 or 4 students. These groups work together during the semester to carry out the project as well as to analyse the case studies every week. The latter means that every group should bring to each session its own analysis of the case studies.
(i) 1500 word essay (45%)
(ii) final project in teams (40%)
(iii) team-mates assessment (15%).
The changes try to incorporate the nature of the course, the development of personal skills, in the assessment process. The rationale for this assessment follows: (i) The aim of the short essay is to provide an opportunity for students to understand, use, and apply one of the management tools studied during the unit with the idea that this practice will help them in the final project in groups. The essay is due on week 20, as it falls in the middle of the term, it also aims at developing the skill of working under pressure. (ii) The final project in groups is an opportunity to test and practice what students have learned working as part of a team throughout the unit, mainly in terms of transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, etc, This project is due on week 22. (iii) Assessment by team-mates attempts to minimise free-rider behaviours during the work in groups.
