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Greta Nasi, Luca Brusati, Alexander Maximilian Hiedemann , and Daniele Alesani

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Welcome!

This course provides participants with the opportunity to explore the multifaceted concept of international development in order to be able to interpret and lead its challenges, opportunities and constant evolutions. Starting from an in-depth analysis of the current international development architecture, its key actors and trends, the course then illustrates the main international organizations' governance systems; identifies their funding and financing tools necessary to implement development programs and achieve sustainable development goals; and explains how to effectively leverage on human capital to drive organizational success and be ‘fit for purpose’ in an ever changing international development scenario.

The course is delivered by both Bocconi University and SDA Bocconi School of Management faculty involved in programs as the EMMIO - Executive Master in Management of International Organizations.

The course also provides participants with the opportunity to learn from the experience of senior professionals serving International Organizations at all levels.

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What's inside

Syllabus

SHORT INTRODUCTION OF THE COURSE
WEEK 1 - INTRODUCING INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: GOALS, ACTORS AND TRENDS
At the end of week 1, participants will be able to:
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Benefits senior professionals in international organizations, advancing their careers
Covers governance systems and funding strategies, vital for managing organizations effectively
Real-world insights from senior professionals in the field
Provides knowledge on human capital management, crucial for leading teams in international organizations
Taught by Bocconi University and SDA Bocconi School of Management faculty

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Reviews summary

Strategic management for global development goals

According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and comprehensive overview of international development, particularly valuable for professionals seeking to understand Agenda 2030. Students frequently highlight the course's solid foundation in governance, funding, and human capital, often praising the expert insights from Bocconi faculty and senior professionals. While many find the content well-structured and clear, some note that certain modules could benefit from greater depth and more interactive engagement. The course is largely seen as a strong refresher and knowledge update for those in the field.
Highly relevant for professionals working in international development.
"Highly recommend for anyone in international development; the content is directly applicable."
"The human capital module was particularly useful for my work, offering actionable strategies."
"As an experienced professional, I found this course a great refresher and an excellent way to update my knowledge."
Features valuable perspectives from experienced faculty and professionals.
"The insights from senior professionals were invaluable; they brought theory to life."
"Bocconi's reputation shines through; the instructors were knowledgeable and presented material clearly."
"I enjoyed learning from the faculty and the real-world examples shared by experienced practitioners."
Provides a broad understanding of international development concepts.
"This course provides a solid foundation for understanding the complex world of international development."
"Excellent overview! It really helped me understand the international development architecture better."
"I appreciated the course's broad scope, covering key actors, trends, and governance systems effectively."
Opportunities for active engagement and peer learning could be enhanced.
"The forum discussions were not very active, which limited my peer learning experience."
"I wished for more interactive elements beyond the lectures to make the course more dynamic."
"I found that the delivery could be more engaging; some lectures were dry, making it hard to stay focused."
Some modules could benefit from more advanced, in-depth content.
"I found some parts a bit introductory for someone with prior experience; I wished for more advanced discussion."
"I felt the course could benefit from more in-depth case studies and less general information."
"While comprehensive, I felt certain topics deserved a more thorough exploration, given my background."

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 Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 with these activities:
Review essential concepts of international development
Reinforces foundational knowledge and key actors in the field of international development, ensuring a stronger comprehension during the course.
Browse courses on International Development
Show steps
  • Revisit core theories and concepts of international development.
  • Identify and familiarize yourself with significant international organizations involved in development.
Read 'The End of Poverty' by Jeffrey Sachs
Provides a comprehensive perspective on global poverty and proposes evidence-based solutions, complementing the course's exploration of development goals.
Show steps
  • Read and summarize the main arguments presented in the book.
  • Identify and analyze specific examples of poverty reduction strategies discussed in the book.
Learn about the United Nations system
Explore the structure and operations of the United Nations system to understand how it addresses development challenges.
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  • Attend a webinar or online course on the UN system
  • Review UN documents and resources
  • Participate in a simulation or role-playing exercise on UN system negotiations
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Explore case studies of successful development initiatives
Provides practical insights into effective development strategies and their implementation, enhancing understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Identify and analyze case studies of successful international development projects.
  • Extract key lessons and best practices from these case studies.
Join a mentoring program or working group
Connect with other students and professionals in the field to exchange ideas and enhance your learning experience.
Show steps
  • Identify a mentoring program or working group that aligns with your interests
  • Reach out to potential mentors or peers
  • Participate in discussions and activities
  • Seek feedback and advice from the group
Connect with professionals in international development
Provides opportunities to gain insights, guidance, and support from experienced professionals in the field, enhancing career prospects and professional growth.
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  • Identify and reach out to potential mentors in the international development sector.
  • Build relationships and schedule regular meetings for guidance and advice.
Participate in a case competition or hackathon
Challenge yourself by participating in a competition that requires you to apply your knowledge of international development to solve real-world problems.
Show steps
  • Find a competition that aligns with your interests
  • Form a team or work independently
  • Research the topic and develop a solution
  • Present your solution to a panel of judges
  • Reflect on your experience and learnings
Volunteer at a local development organization
Provides firsthand experience in development work, fosters empathy, and reinforces the principles and practices discussed in the course.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Identify and contact local development organizations.
  • Commit to a regular volunteering schedule and actively participate in projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
International Development Senior Advisor
Become an International Development Senior Advisor and support organizations in achieving their international development goals after taking Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030. This course provides you with an in-depth understanding of the international development architecture, governance systems, funding and financing tools, and human capital management in international organizations. You'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of international development and provide expert advice to organizations working to promote sustainable development worldwide.
International Development Manager
As an International Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in managing international development programs and projects. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the comprehensive understanding of international development, governance, funding, and human capital management necessary to excel in this role. You'll learn how to effectively plan, implement, and evaluate development initiatives, ensuring their alignment with international development goals and maximizing their impact.
International Development Specialist
Enhance your expertise in international development as an International Development Specialist with the knowledge gained from Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030. This course offers a deep dive into the international development landscape, governance structures, funding mechanisms, and human capital management strategies. You'll develop the skills to analyze, design, and implement development programs that contribute to sustainable and equitable outcomes in developing countries.
International Development Policy Analyst
Become an International Development Policy Analyst and shape development policies that make a positive impact on the global community. By taking Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030, you'll gain insights into the international development architecture, governance systems, and funding mechanisms. This knowledge will empower you to analyze and evaluate development policies, advocate for evidence-based approaches, and contribute to the design and implementation of effective development strategies.
International Development Consultant
Launch a successful career as an International Development Consultant and provide expert guidance to organizations working in international development. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 offers a comprehensive understanding of the international development sector, governance structures, funding models, and human capital management practices. This knowledge will equip you to assess development needs, design tailored interventions, and support organizations in achieving their development objectives.
International Development Program Manager
Take on the role of an International Development Program Manager and lead the implementation of complex development programs. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively plan, coordinate, and monitor development programs, ensuring their alignment with international development goals and maximizing their impact on communities in need. You'll gain expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and results-based monitoring and evaluation.
International Development Researcher
Become an International Development Researcher and contribute to evidence-based decision-making in the development sector. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 enhances your understanding of the international development architecture, governance systems, and funding mechanisms. This knowledge will enable you to conduct rigorous research, analyze data, and generate insights that inform development policies and programs, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for people in developing countries.
International Development Program Officer
Join the frontline of international development as an International Development Program Officer and play a pivotal role in implementing and monitoring development programs. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the international development sector, governance structures, and funding models. This knowledge will empower you to effectively manage program budgets, coordinate with stakeholders, and ensure the successful implementation of development initiatives.
International Development Fund Manager
As an International Development Fund Manager, you will play a crucial role in managing and allocating funds to support development programs worldwide. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage financial resources, assess investment opportunities, and ensure the efficient use of funds to maximize development impact. You'll gain expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and donor relations.
International Development Policy Advisor
As an International Development Policy Advisor, you will provide expert advice and support to governments, international organizations, and NGOs on development policies and strategies. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 enhances your understanding of the international development architecture, governance systems, and funding mechanisms. This knowledge will enable you to analyze and evaluate development policies, identify policy gaps, and make recommendations for evidence-based policy interventions.
International Development Project Manager
Lead the design and implementation of international development projects as an International Development Project Manager and contribute to sustainable community development. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage development projects, engage with stakeholders, and ensure the successful delivery of project objectives. You'll gain expertise in project planning, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management.
International Development Advocacy Officer
Become an International Development Advocacy Officer and champion the rights of marginalized communities on the global stage. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 enhances your understanding of the international development architecture, governance systems, and funding mechanisms. This knowledge will empower you to effectively advocate for development issues, engage with policymakers, and mobilize support for sustainable and equitable development.
International Development Communications Officer
Join the field of international development as an International Development Communications Officer and play a vital role in shaping public opinion and promoting development initiatives. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate development issues, engage with the media, and build relationships with stakeholders. You'll gain expertise in media relations, public relations, and strategic communications.
International Development Fundraiser
Become an International Development Fundraiser and play a crucial role in securing funding for vital development programs worldwide. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the international development sector, funding mechanisms, and donor relations. This knowledge will empower you to effectively develop fundraising strategies, cultivate relationships with donors, and secure financial support for development initiatives.
International Development Education Officer
Contribute to the next generation of development professionals as an International Development Education Officer by designing and delivering educational programs on international development issues. Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030 provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively develop curricula, teach development concepts, and engage with students in a meaningful way. You'll gain expertise in education, curriculum development, and cross-cultural communication.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Management of International Development: Towards Agenda 2030.
Classic work on the theory of development, arguing that development should be seen as a process of expanding people's freedoms. It would be a valuable read for students who want to understand the philosophical underpinnings of international development.
This report from the United Nations Development Programme provides a comprehensive overview of the global development agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the current priorities of international development.
Provides a detailed analysis of the governance of international health organizations, such as the World Health Organization. It would be a useful read for students who want to understand the political dynamics of international development.
Provides a practical guide to human resources management in international organizations. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of managing human resources in a global context.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of governance, covering a wide range of theories and practices. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the governance of international organizations and development.
Popular account of the challenges and opportunities of international development. It would be a good read for students who want to get a general overview of the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the financing of global health, including the role of development assistance. It would be a useful reference for students who want to understand the financial challenges of international development.

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