Management in the Context of Global Development

The field of global development is evolving rapidly among a host of socioeconomic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges. As a result, effective management practices are becoming increasingly crucial for development organizations as well as other entities engaged in designing, implementing, and sustaining projects that aim to tackle complex social, economic, and environmental challenges. This course provides a robust foundation for future leaders and development experts in managing development organizations and projects, equipping them with the necessary skills and insights to navigate the complexities and challenges unique to the industry. Students delve deep into the intricacies of organizational design, management practices, and the processes and tools for managing projects within diverse and often unpredictable contexts of global development. The course emphasizes the importance of adaptability, accountability, and a context-specific understanding of the socio-political, economic, and cultural dimensions that influence development work. Key topics include organizational design and decision architecture, systems thinking and business analysis, participatory design and stakeholder management, theory of change mapping, adaptive project management strategies, and monitoring and evaluation. Students explore how to overcome common pitfalls in project planning and learn to foster meaningful discussions between planners, stakeholders, and communities to co-create sustainable solutions. The course offers a hands-on approach to developing analytical and creative skills essential for assessing complex contexts and innovating solutions. A significant focus is on collaborative methods for mapping long-term change at the project, program, and policy levels, ensuring students can build strategic pathways for impactful change. By the end of this course, students are adept at managing development projects with an integrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. They are prepared to lead with confidence, applying best practices in project management to facilitate long-term, sustainable development outcomes.