Project Design Tools

Using project design tools in development projects

The Project Design Tools program mainly targets participants from non-European countries and/or NGOs who are active in these countries.

This program prepares you to handle the complex and demanding processes in donor-funded projects. You will be introduced to the different stages of the project life cycle, particularly from the perspective of major donors and learn techniques for the identification and formulation of development interventions.

Governments, NGOs and private organizations in the developing world are increasingly engaged in donor-funded projects. Often they are asked to formulate project proposals that are economically, socially, politically and environmentally viable. To handle these often complex and demanding processes, project managers need to possess the latest knowledge on various project design tools.

Project Design Tools have evolved recently. The European Commission introduced a new approach to the Log Frame Matrix and the World Bank is promoting a new strategy for the financing of development interventions. Bilateral agencies are increasingly highlighting the importance of a proper use of the Theory of Change applied to the design and management of development interventions. In a changing and challenging environment it is critical to be up-to-date.

Course objectives

After finalizing the course, you will have enhanced your knowledge on various techniques used in the process of identification and formulation of development intervention. Additionally you have learned about the structural elements of a development project, different stages of the project life cycle, particularly from the perspective of major donors. During the course you develop your individual project – feasibility study and receive dedicated coaching, and you will work within various groups.

Course topics

Topics included in the program are:

• Techniques used in the process of identification and formulation of the development intervention.
• Structural elements of a development project
• Different stages of the project life cycle, particularly from the perspective of major donors.
• Techniques used for the identification and formulation of development interventions.
• Develop your individual project – feasibility study and receive dedicated coaching

Teaching methods

A combination of various teaching methods will be used including:

• Distance education
• Self-study
• (Guest) lectures and presentations
• Case studies
• Group discussions, exercises and presentations
• Integration assignment
• Literature study/readings

In the program there is a strong emphasis on student participation and involvement. Participants are stimulated to share their experiences, in the class sessions as well as through working in smaller groups and an individual integration assignment. Part of the program is offered via distance education, before the classroom experience in Maastricht. Cases and assignments are used to enhance the practical, development-oriented perspective of the program and the exposure of students to management practice. This training methodology is meant to inspire, encourage and involve and is based on the principle of learning by doing.