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Jodie Curth-Bibb,
Sarah Glavey,
Mark Moran,
and
Tim Grice
This course is part of the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program. In order to get the most out of this course, we recommend that you have experience working in the development sector or a strong interest in this area. We also recommend that you complete the other three courses that make up the Leadership in Global Development MicroMasters program: Leaders in Global Development, The Science and Practice of Sustainable Development and Critical Development Perspectives.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/50niiu/adaptive
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- To appreciate the fundamental mismatch between policy and practice in development
- To understand the importance of having context, and in finding local solutions to local problems
- Skills in adaptive development practice, in the cycles of experimentation, learning, iteration and adaptation
- To discern strategies to overcome political challenges and broker new collaborations
- To comprehend how to measure progress and manage performance when working adaptively
- To diffuse results from practice, by taking them to scale and influencing policy
- All graded assessment will be graded and have insightful feedback for learners to further refine their new knowledge and skills.
- To appreciate the fundamental mismatch between policy and practice in development
- To understand the importance of having context, and in finding local solutions to local problems
- Skills in adaptive development practice, in the cycles of experimentation, learning, iteration and adaptation
- To discern strategies to overcome political challenges and broker new collaborations
- To comprehend how to measure progress and manage performance when working adaptively
- To diffuse results from practice, by taking them to scale and influencing policy
- All graded assessment will be graded and have insightful feedback for learners to further refine their new knowledge and skills.
Syllabus
Module 1: How Solutions Become ProblemsIn this module we begin to unpack the complex nature of development problems. We will begin to see why solutions that do not take complexity into account often fail and sometimes cause harm.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: How Solutions Become ProblemsIn this module we begin to unpack the complex nature of development problems. We will begin to see why solutions that do not take complexity into account often fail and sometimes cause harm.
Read more
Module 2: The DisconnectWhy do development interventions often fail? In Module 2 we will explore the disconnect that often exists between policy and practice, and analyse how common tools, such as logical frameworks, can add to this disconnect.
Module 3: Complexity in DevelopmentIn this module we will learn about key complexity concepts and understand how they can be used to better 'see' and account for complex institutional reality.
Module 4: Problem Driven Iterative AdaptationModule 4 introduces Problem Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), a framework for tackling complex problems developed by Harvard Kennedy School researchers Matt Andrews, Lant Pritchett and Michael Woolcock.
Module 5: More PDIAPDIA is further expanded on in Module 5.
Module 6: Theory of Change and Development EvaluationModule 6 examines some practical evaluation frameworks that can be used for monitoring and evaluating development interventions. These frameworks attempt to take complexity and systems thinking into account.
Module 7: Wicked Problems and Institutional CollaborationIn this module we look at how institutional collaboration can be used as a way of tackling wicked problems.
Module 8: Thinking and Working PoliticallyIn Module 8 we will develop an understanding of how politics is fundamental to any societal change process.
Module 9: Leading AdaptivelyIn this module we will learn about the skills and knowledge you will need to be an adaptive leader and development entrepreneur.
The 'From the Leaders' sections in this courseWe have collected some amazing interviews with practitioners worldwide who are leaders in the field of adaptive practice. Some of these are quite long, but we believe that the knowledge imparted by the leaders will be extremely valuable to your learning in this field. You will not be assessed on this content, but we encourage you to watch these and gain some really great insights into adaptive practice in the real world.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Meant for individuals with development sector experience
Ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in development
Requires background knowledge in development work
Covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to development practice
Provides insights from experienced practitioners in the field
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Adaptive Leadership in Development with these
activities:
Course Materials Review
Show steps
Review the course materials to prepare for the course and reinforce learning.
Show steps
-
Review the syllabus and course outline.
-
Gather and review all available course materials, such as readings, videos, and assignments.
Review complexity concepts
Show steps
Refresh key complexity concepts to improve understanding of the course materials.
Browse courses on
Complexity
Show steps
-
Review notes or textbooks on complexity concepts.
-
Identify and explore examples of complexity in different contexts.
Resource Compilation on Adaptive Development
Show steps
Gather and compile resources to support learning about adaptive development practices.
Show steps
-
Search for reputable sources on adaptive development.
-
Review and select relevant resources.
-
Organize and compile the resources into a coherent format.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
PDIA Framework Exercises
Show steps
Practice applying the PDIA framework to real-world development problems.
Show steps
-
Read and understand the PDIA framework.
-
Identify a real-world development problem and apply the PDIA framework to analyze it.
Peer Review and Feedback
Show steps
Seek feedback on your work from peers to improve your understanding.
Show steps
-
Find a peer or group of peers to review your work.
-
Share your work and ask for constructive feedback.
PDIA cycle innovation project
Show steps
Start a project to test a new way to apply the PDIA cycle to an actual development problem.
Show steps
-
Read and understand the PDIA cycle, including its steps and principles.
-
Choose a real-world development problem and define it using PDIA terminology.
-
Apply the PDIA cycle to the chosen problem and regularly evaluate your progress.
Theory of Change Presentation
Show steps
Create a presentation outlining a theory of change for a development intervention.
Browse courses on
Theory of Change
Show steps
-
Research and understand the concept of a theory of change.
-
Identify a development intervention and develop a theory of change for it.
-
Create a presentation to outline the theory of change.
Blog Post on Politics and Development
Show steps
Write a blog post that explores the role of politics in development.
Browse courses on
Politics
Show steps
-
Research and gather information on the topic.
-
Develop a compelling argument and outline for the blog post.
-
Write and edit the blog post.
Adaptive Development Innovation Project
Show steps
Start a project to develop and implement an innovative solution to a development problem.
Show steps
-
Identify a development problem and research potential solutions.
-
Develop a project plan and timeline.
-
Implement the project and monitor its progress.
Course Materials Review
Show steps
Review the course materials to prepare for the course and reinforce learning.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the syllabus and course outline.
- Gather and review all available course materials, such as readings, videos, and assignments.
Review complexity concepts
Show steps
Refresh key complexity concepts to improve understanding of the course materials.
Browse courses on
Complexity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review notes or textbooks on complexity concepts.
- Identify and explore examples of complexity in different contexts.
Resource Compilation on Adaptive Development
Show steps
Gather and compile resources to support learning about adaptive development practices.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable sources on adaptive development.
- Review and select relevant resources.
- Organize and compile the resources into a coherent format.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
PDIA Framework Exercises
Show steps
Practice applying the PDIA framework to real-world development problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and understand the PDIA framework.
- Identify a real-world development problem and apply the PDIA framework to analyze it.
Peer Review and Feedback
Show steps
Seek feedback on your work from peers to improve your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer or group of peers to review your work.
- Share your work and ask for constructive feedback.
PDIA cycle innovation project
Show steps
Start a project to test a new way to apply the PDIA cycle to an actual development problem.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read and understand the PDIA cycle, including its steps and principles.
- Choose a real-world development problem and define it using PDIA terminology.
- Apply the PDIA cycle to the chosen problem and regularly evaluate your progress.
Theory of Change Presentation
Show steps
Create a presentation outlining a theory of change for a development intervention.
Browse courses on
Theory of Change
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and understand the concept of a theory of change.
- Identify a development intervention and develop a theory of change for it.
- Create a presentation to outline the theory of change.
Blog Post on Politics and Development
Show steps
Write a blog post that explores the role of politics in development.
Browse courses on
Politics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and gather information on the topic.
- Develop a compelling argument and outline for the blog post.
- Write and edit the blog post.
Adaptive Development Innovation Project
Show steps
Start a project to develop and implement an innovative solution to a development problem.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a development problem and research potential solutions.
- Develop a project plan and timeline.
- Implement the project and monitor its progress.
Career center
Learners who complete Adaptive Leadership in Development will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Director of International Development
Director of International Development
For Directors of International Development, responsible for managing and coordinating international development programs, this course can provide valuable insights. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Directors navigate the complexities of implementing development initiatives in different contexts. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to evolving needs and challenges in the field.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisor
For Policy Advisors, who provide advice on policy development and implementation, this course can offer valuable insights. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can enable Advisors to develop policies that are grounded in reality and responsive to local needs. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to refine and adjust policies based on feedback and emerging evidence.
International Development Officer
International Development Officer
International Development Officers, who work in international organizations or non-governmental organizations engaged in development work, may find this course beneficial. The course's focus on understanding the mismatch between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Officers navigate the complexities of implementing development initiatives in different countries. Furthermore, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as experimentation, learning, iteration, and adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to changing circumstances and improve project outcomes.
Senior Policy Advisor
Senior Policy Advisor
This course may be useful for Senior Policy Advisors, who provide strategic advice on policy development and implementation. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can enable Senior Advisors to develop policies that are grounded in reality and responsive to local needs. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to refine and adjust policies based on feedback and emerging evidence.
Research Analyst
Research Analyst
For Research Analysts, who conduct research to inform development policies and programs, this course can offer valuable insights. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its examination of complexity in development, can help Analysts produce research that is grounded in reality and responsive to the needs of decision-makers. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to adjust research questions and methodologies based on emerging evidence and lessons learned.
Sustainable Development Manager
Sustainable Development Manager
This course may be useful for Sustainable Development Managers, responsible for managing and implementing sustainable development programs. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Managers design and implement effective programs that are tailored to specific needs. Furthermore, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to changing circumstances and improve program outcomes.
Technical Advisor
Technical Advisor
Technical Advisors, who provide technical expertise to development organizations, may find this course beneficial. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Advisors provide advice that is grounded in reality and responsive to local needs. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to adjust technical advice based on emerging evidence and lessons learned.
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
This course may be useful for Monitoring and Evaluation Specialists, responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating monitoring and evaluation systems for development programs. The course's emphasis on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its examination of practical evaluation frameworks, can help Specialists develop robust monitoring and evaluation systems that capture the complexity of development interventions. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to adjust evaluation approaches based on emerging evidence and lessons learned.
Program Manager
Program Manager
Program Managers, responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating development programs, may find this course beneficial. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Managers design and implement effective programs that are tailored to specific needs. Furthermore, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to changing circumstances and improve program outcomes.
Social Impact Analyst
Social Impact Analyst
Social Impact Analysts, responsible for assessing the social impact of development interventions, may find this course beneficial. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Analysts conduct rigorous impact assessments that capture the complexity of development interventions. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to adjust evaluation approaches based on emerging evidence and lessons learned.
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers, responsible for managing and implementing development projects, may find this course useful. The course's emphasis on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its focus on context and local solutions, can help Managers navigate the complexities of implementing projects in different settings. Furthermore, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to changing circumstances and ensure project success.
Strategic Planning Manager
Strategic Planning Manager
Strategic Planning Managers, responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for development organizations, may find this course useful. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Managers develop strategic plans that are grounded in reality and responsive to local needs. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to adjust plans based on emerging evidence and lessons learned.
Economic Development Manager
Economic Development Manager
Economic Development Managers, who oversee economic development initiatives at the local or regional level, may find this course beneficial. The course's emphasis on understanding context and finding local solutions aligns with the role's need to address the unique economic challenges of different communities. Furthermore, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as experimentation, learning, iteration, and adaptation, can enhance an Economic Development Manager's ability to respond to changing economic conditions and adjust strategies accordingly.
Global Health Program Manager
Global Health Program Manager
This course may be useful for Global Health Program Managers, responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating global health programs. The course's focus on understanding the disconnect between policy and practice, as well as its emphasis on context and local solutions, can help Program Managers design and implement effective health interventions in different settings. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as problem-driven iterative adaptation, can enhance their ability to respond to evolving health challenges and improve program outcomes.
Community Development Manager
Community Development Manager
With a focus on local problems and adaptive problem-solving, this course may be useful for Community Development Managers, responsible for the planning, organization, implementation, and evaluation of community development programs and initiatives. The course's emphasis on understanding context and finding local solutions aligns well with the role's need to address the specific needs of different communities. Additionally, the skills in adaptive development practice, such as experimentation, learning, iteration, and adaptation, can enhance a Community Development Manager's ability to respond effectively to changing circumstances and improve program outcomes.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/50niiu/adaptive
Reading list
We've selected six books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Adaptive Leadership in Development.
Provides a framework for understanding and practicing adaptive leadership, which is essential for leading in complex and uncertain environments. It offers practical tools and techniques for navigating change and fostering innovation.
Explores the challenges and practices of adaptive leadership, which is essential for leaders in development to navigate complex and changing environments.
This influential book challenges traditional views of development and emphasizes the importance of expanding human capabilities, which aligns with the focus on context and local solutions in adaptive development practice.
This classic work on change management provides a step-by-step process for leading and implementing change successfully. It offers insights into the challenges and opportunities of change and provides practical advice for overcoming resistance and building support.
This influential book explores the challenges that established organizations face in innovating. It provides a framework for understanding the innovation process and offers strategies for overcoming the barriers to innovation.
Practical guide to Problem-Driven Iterative Adaptation (PDIA), a framework for tackling complex problems. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to use PDIA in practice.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/50niiu/adaptive
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Effort
10 to 12 hours per week for 10 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
The University of Queensland
Instructors
Jodie Curth-Bibb
Sarah Glavey
Mark Moran
Tim Grice
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Meant for individuals with development sector experience
Ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in development
Requires background knowledge in development work
Covers a comprehensive range of topics relevant to development practice
Provides insights from experienced practitioners in the field
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