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One of features of the UN Conference on Environment and Development in 1992 was the tacit recognition of the role of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as key agents in the transition towards a more sustainable society. This module provides the opportunity to critically review the contribution that NGOs are making to the development of sustainable development agendas, as well as examining their practice in project management. Firstly, the module examines the complex characteristics of NGOs: the diversity in scope, size activity, philosophy and institutionalisation. The second part of the module provides an introduction to the principles of development project design and management within the context of initiatives in support of sustainable development. It introduces the concept of the `project cycle', its different stages or elements and considers their importance in project management. The topics examined include: the principles, methods and practice of participatory approaches in project planning, with special attention to PRA methods; `Logical Framework Analysis'; managing project implementation, focusing on project set-up and organisation; project monitoring and evaluation, use of `Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation' (PME); the processes and mechanisms of `scaling-up' and a consideration of how projects feed into NGO advocacy work. This examination of the concepts and techniques underpinning NGO project management will be underpinned by an assessment of real world case studies as appropriate.

Anheier ,Helmut K. 2004 Civil Society. Measurement, evaluation, policy. Earthscan, London
Estrella, M. and Gaventa, J. Who Counts Reality? Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation: A literature review. IDS Working Paper 70 IDS Sussex.
Gosling Louisa and Mike Edwards 2006 `Toolkit'-a practical guide to planning, monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment. Save the Children.
Goyder, H, Davies, R. and Williamson, W. 1998 Participatory Impact Assessment. ActionAid, London
Jordan L. and van Tuijl. P. (2006) NGO accountability. Politics, Principles And Innovations. Earthscan, London

A. Research Essay: 2400 words(with annotated bibliography) 40%
Learning Outcomes 1,3, 6
B. Research Essay: 2000 words 33%
Learning Outcomes 2,4,5,6
C. Report: 1600 words -27%
Learning Outcomes 2,4,5,6

Additional Assessment Details:
A. The first research essay assignment draws upon the key themes relating to an overview of the work of NGOs in one specific sustainable development challenge (water supply and sanitation, food security, housing, waste recycling) and requires a critical evaluation and consideration of NGO involvement in the sector. In all cases answers should be illustrated with appropriate case studies drawn from wider reading, and where relevant from the student's own experience.
B. The second research essay addresses key debates in the development project management field.
C. The report requires a listing and brief explanation of the first key step in developing and designing a development project proposal and arranging for its implementation. The first 15-20 steps need to be considered, each point requiring a few sentences of explanation only.


Formative Assessment:
You will be encouraged to submit a plan on your chosen essay topic. In addition, the directed activities over six weeks will offer opportunity for formative assessment and feedback.

A networked computer for accessing University VLE (Blackboard), web sites and electronic journals.
Course texts.

The module runs over 16 weeks. For 10 out of the 16 weeks, learning strategies comprise of a programme of directed activities which require you to engage with textual and documentary sources, whilst the remaining 6 weeks focus on the task of researching and writing an essay on a particular topic in NGO project management.

Specific guidance will be given in terms of guided reading to provide a starting point for the analysis and examination required in the first assignment and the subsequent essay. The activities will be specified using the Blackboard learning environment, making particular use of web-based resources.