This unit of study focuses on project planning and design for community development work in a development setting. The principles of project design are examined and debated in relation to their role and application to international community development work. Students will investigate and selectively apply methodologies and techniques used in project work and its evaluation. Particular emphasis will be placed on participatory approaches such as Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), and the impact of gender on outcomes and development strategies. Students will critically review culturally relevant project monitoring, reporting and evaluation methodologies.

Unit details

Location:
Footscray Park
Study level:
Postgraduate
Credit points:
12
Unit code:
ASA5002

Prerequisites

Nil.

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Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. Interrogate the central theoretical aspects of community development project design, implementation and evaluation, and exemplify contextualised practical application;  
  2. Critically investigate and evaluate the successfulness and sustainability of community development projects;  
  3. Creatively design, implement and monitor community action plans, strategies and projects that would contribute to professional practice; and  
  4. Cogently advocate recommendations through corroborating evidence to a variety of audiences.  

Assessment

Assessment type Description Grade
Assignment Conduct a situational analysis of a community project. 35%
Project Project proposal: it involves evaluating and designing of a community project, budgeting and timeline. 50%
Presentation Presentation of situation analysis and new project that could address the community problems. 15%

Required reading

Participatory practice: community-based action for transformative change,
Ledwith, M & Springett, J 2010,
Bristol, UK: Policy Press.

Measuring progress: Community indicators, best practices and benchmarking. In Phillips, R & R.H. Pittman, An Introduction to Community Development,
Phillips, R. and Pittman, R. 2009
London: Routledge.

Using Mixed Methods in Monitoring and Evaluation: Experiences from International Development,
Bamberger, M. et al, 2010,
World Bank

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