Programmes List

Our Partner Institutions in the UK offer a range of professional development and training courses. The following are examples of such courses:

From September to December:

EFFECTIVE LIBRARY INFORMATION SYSTEMS (6 weeks)

This programme seeks to address the opportunities open to librarians and those in charge of information/documentation centres in terms of the changes in the way in which information and knowledge are currently managed and exchanged. This course regards the following as 'core' skills: systems design, implementation and management; measurement of quality; an understanding of process mapping and familiarity with computer-based applications to support library work - for example, bibliographic software, Web page design, use of CD-ROMs, networking, Internet sources, and so on. The programme is run in a way which supports participants in taking responsibility for their own learning, and there will be a lot of opportunity for supervised individual work and research.

EFFECTIVE MICROCOMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS (6 weeks)

This is an intensive practical programme aimed at managers and administrators who want to derive maximum benefit from the computers being introduced into their organisations. It provides participants with the skills and confidence to choose and use computers, to understand organisational information problems, to design and implement computerised information systems, and to work alongside computer specialists.

IMPACT ASSESSMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Integrating Environmental Assessment with Economic and Social Appraisal (12 weeks)

Sustainable development can only be achieved on the basis of balanced appraisal of a country's development policies and projects. This programme provides training in the integrated application of environmental impact assessment, economic cost-benefit analysis and social impact assessment methods of appraisal, at both project and policy, and programme and planning levels, in different types of economic systems.

This programme offers maximum flexibility of choice in the period of study at IDPM (from 4 to 12 weeks), and in the qualification awarded (from Postgraduate Certificate to Postgraduate Diploma in the areas of Environmental Assessment and Sustainable Development).

MANAGEMENT SERVICES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS (12 weeks)

Many organisations in developing countries are undergoing a process of change that has two key elements: new staffing arrangements and new technology. The organisational workforce needs to be redeployed according to changing requirements, and new computing technology is being introduced to assist these changes. Yet, too often, there are insufficient personnel with the knowledge and skills to carry out effective organisational reform and technological change. This programme seeks to address this issue by training managers, administrators and consultants within a framework that emphasises practical rather than theoretical learning.

From January to April:

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (12 weeks)

This programme aims to develop competence in the main areas of human resource management, i.e. developing a human resource management strategy, employee resourcing, employee development and employee relations. In addition, the programme has a highly flexible structure and teaching methodology to allow study fellows to pursue specific interests through studying specialist modules and projects. Although intended primarily for HR personnel specialists, the programme is flexible enough to cater for non-specialists wishing to gain a broader appreciation of the 'people' aspects of management. Participants can opt to take the Institute of Personnel and Development Certificate in Personnel Practice.

MODULAR STUDIES IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (up to 8 weeks in total):

The four component parts of the programme are:

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (1 week)

This is an intensive programme for senior managers and officials in LDC organisations/projects in the formulation of human resource strategies and policies. Those at or near the top of 'development' organisations who are charged with turning the overall aims and mission of the organisation into a workable strategy often lack the experience or training to do this effectively. Given that the key resources for many development organisations/projects are their human resources, this programme offers practical training and guidance in the preparation of a strategic human resource review for participants' own organisations. The programme adopts a 'processual' approach and is highly participative.

EMPLOYEE PLANNING AND RESOURCING (2 weeks)

An intensive programme that looks at human resource planning, computerised HR information systems, job analysis and job design, equitable employment policies, recruitment, selection and induction, pay and reward management, and career management.

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT IN ORGANISATIONS (2 weeks)

An intensive programme that looks at the training cycle, performance management and appraisal, staff and management development, and the 'learning organisation'.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT (2 weeks)

An intensive, participant-centred programme for government officials, senior managers and trade unionists in developing countries who have a responsibility for the formulation of employee relations policies and their implementation and management. The programme will enable participants to understand the language and concepts of employee relations; to identify key strategic issues of employee relations in their own situation; to identify their main policy and practice options; and to better understand the perspectives and goals of other actors. Participants will produce an 'Employee Relations Action Programme' addressing specific concerns on employee relations in their own country and/or organisation.

RURAL POVERTY ASSESSMENT (6 weeks)

The objective of this programme is to provide participants with an understanding of rural sector policies which can increase the productivity of resource poor farmers and the landless. To this end, skills training is offered in policy design, project planning and implementation of micro-level projects in partnership with civil society organisations. The programme includes analysis of poverty strategies, and a specific focus on poverty eradication. The programme is pertinent to both policy analysts and project managers from the public sector, NGOs and consultancy groups.

TRAINING FOR TRAINERS (12 weeks)

This programme offers participants an alternative approach to the traditional view of training and development. Training is presented as a function of the process of continuous improvement in the workplace rather than an end in itself. We encourage participants to develop skills as learners and we support a self-organised approach to learning on the programme. The programme focuses on the specific needs of the individuals who make up the group. Those needs are typically (but not inevitably) related to the trainer's traditional role - such as conducting training needs analysis, training evaluation, the establishment of training strategies and policies. Group activities include study visits to professional training organisations in the UK and an outdoor learning event in North Wales.

TRAINING FOR COMPUTER TRAINERS (12 weeks)

This programme runs in parallel with Training for Trainers, but includes alternative teaching that deals with IT training needs analysis, and development of computing curricula and training materials. It is aimed at trainers who need to include computer training in their portfolio, and computing personnel who need to disseminate computing skills to other staff in their organisation.

From April to June:

MANAGING NGOs (6 weeks)

The programme focuses on improving NGO strategy and management. It includes strategic management, managing people, managing resources and information, self-management skills and research and advocacy for NGOs. This programme will be of particular interest to those concerned with the role of NGOs in development policy and practice.

MICROENTERPRISE FINANCE (4 weeks)

This programme aims to provide a thorough training for middle and higher-level staff of credit institutions in both the private and public sector and of development agencies and NGOs in design, appraisal, supervision and evaluation of lending programmes, in particular those aimed at small businesses and small farmers.

Alternatively, the courses listed above can also be offered as customised training, or in-country programmes on a collaborative basis. If you would like more information, please contact us on: training@UniAdmission.com