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PAD807Management Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Development Theory and Administration

This course introduces students to development theory and administration, exploring the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications within societal governance. It examines the meaning of development, related concepts like growth and modernization, and the salient economic, political, administrative, and socio-cultural factors influencing development agendas. The course also covers development planning, public enterprises, and privatization, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of development processes.

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150h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Development TheoryAdministrationDevelopment PlanningPublic EnterprisePrivatization

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Development Theory

2

Development Administration

3

Economic Development

4

Political Development

5

Social Development

6

Development Planning

7

Public Enterprise

8

Privatization

Total Topics8 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Project Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

International Development Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)International Development AgenciesConsulting FirmsPublic Sector Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Development; Meaning and Concepts

6h

Unit 1: The Meaning of Development

3 study hours
  • Define development administration and differentiate it from public administration.
  • Discuss the indices of development and their limitations.
  • Analyze the relationship between poverty and development challenges.

Unit 2: Features of Development

3 study hours
  • Identify and explain specific indices used to measure development.
  • Discuss the role of technology in development.
  • Examine the economic, political, and socio-cultural dimensions of development.
Week
2

Module 1: Development; Meaning and Concepts

6h

Unit 3: Origin of the concept of development

3 study hours
  • Explain the historical origins of development administration.
  • Discuss the influence of the socialist revolution and the Great Depression on development planning.
  • Analyze the role of the state in economic development.

Unit 4: Development Concepts and Related Theories

3 study hours
  • Discuss the concepts of economic development and underdevelopment.
  • Compare and contrast modernization theory and dependency theory.
  • Analyze the role of colonialism and neo-colonialism in underdevelopment.
Week
3

Module 1: Development; Meaning and Concepts

3h

Unit 5: Development in perspective

3 study hours
  • Examine the importance and characteristics of development.
  • Discuss developmental values and instruments.
  • Analyze the World System Theory and the Theory of Globalization.
Week
4

Module 2: Related Concepts in Development Administration …

6h

Unit 1: International perspective of development

3 study hours
  • Explain the concept of development from an international perspective.
  • Describe the characteristics of development.
  • Differentiate between growth and development.

Unit 2: Growth and Development

3 study hours
  • Define economic growth and its indicators.
  • Discuss the relationship between economic growth and economic development.
  • Analyze the limitations of GDP as a measure of development.
Week
5

Module 2: Related Concepts in Development Administration …

6h

Unit 3: Political Economy of Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Explain the concept of underdevelopment and its causes.
  • Discuss the roles of imperialism, colonialism, and neo-colonialism in underdevelopment.
  • Analyze the concept of dependency and its impact on development.

Unit 4: What is Modernization

3 study hours
  • Define modernization and its relevance to growth and development.
  • Discuss the key features of modern societies.
  • Analyze the assumptions and criticisms of modernization theory.
Week
6

Module 2: Related Concepts in Development Administration …

3h

Unit 5: Relevance of Modernization to Growth and Development

3 study hours
  • Assess the relevance of modernization to growth and development.
  • Discuss the role of technology and education in modernization.
  • Analyze the impact of modernization on traditional values and social structures.
Week
7

Module 3: Environment of Development Administration

6h

Unit 1 Economic Environment of Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Examine the economic environment of development administration.
  • Discuss the key economic features of underdeveloped economies.
  • Analyze the role of economic policies in promoting development.

Unit 2 Political Environment of Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Analyze the political environment of development administration.
  • Discuss the political features of underdeveloped countries.
  • Examine the impact of political instability and corruption on development.
Week
8

Module 3: Environment of Development Administration

6h

Unit 3 Socio-Cultural Environment of Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Discuss the socio-cultural environment of development administration.
  • Examine the impact of superstition, tribalism, and cultural values on development.
  • Analyze the role of education and social change in promoting development.

Unit 4 Administrative Environment of Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Examine the administrative environment of development administration.
  • Discuss the administrative features of underdeveloped countries.
  • Analyze the impact of bureaucracy, corruption, and lack of skilled manpower on development.
Week
9

Module 3: Environment of Development Administration

3h

Unit 5 Administrative Reforms in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • Discuss the history and evolution of administrative reforms in Nigeria.
  • Examine the recommendations of various civil service reform commissions.
  • Analyze the impact of administrative reforms on development administration.
Week
10

Module 4: Development Planning

6h

Unit 1: Relevance of Planning

3 study hours
  • Explain the relevance of planning in development administration.
  • Discuss the historical examples of planned economic development.
  • Analyze the role of the state in economic planning.

Unit 2: The Planning Process in India

3 study hours
  • Describe the planning process in India.
  • Analyze the role of the state and various institutions in the planning process.
  • Discuss the challenges and successes of development planning in India.
Week
11

Module 4: Development Planning

6h

Unit 3: The Planning Process in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • Describe the planning process in Nigeria.
  • Analyze the roles of various institutions in the planning process.
  • Discuss the challenges and successes of development planning in Nigeria.

Unit 4: The Planning Machinery in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • Examine the planning machinery in Nigeria.
  • Discuss the functions of the National Planning Office, Joint Planning Board, and National Economic Council.
  • Analyze the challenges to sustainable development in Nigeria.
Week
12

Module 4: Development Planning

3h

Unit 5: Ten-Year Plan Development and Welfare for Nigeria, 1946 56

3 study hours
  • Discuss the Ten-Year Plan Development and Welfare for Nigeria, 1946-56.
  • Analyze the objectives, strategies, and criticisms of the plan.
  • Examine the historical context and legacy of the plan.
Week
13

Module 5: Public Enterprise and the Privatisation Debate

6h

Unit 1 Public Enterprise and Their Roles in Development Administration

3 study hours
  • Discuss the roles of public enterprises in development administration.
  • Examine the reasons for establishing public enterprises in developing countries.
  • Analyze the problems faced by public enterprises.

Unit 2 Privatization of Public Enterprises: Economic Benefits and Managerial Efficiency Issues

3 study hours
  • Explain the concept of privatization and its various forms.
  • Discuss the economic benefits and managerial efficiency issues related to privatization.
  • Analyze the arguments for and against privatization.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all module introductions and summaries to consolidate key concepts.

2

Create comparative tables outlining the strengths and weaknesses of different development theories (Modernization vs. Dependency).

3

Focus on understanding the planning processes in both India and Nigeria, noting similarities and differences.

4

Practice essay questions on the economic, political, and socio-cultural environments of development administration.

5

Prepare case studies analyzing the impact of privatization on specific public enterprises.

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the study hours recommended for each unit.

7

Create concept maps linking key terms and theories from different modules.

8

Review all self-assessment exercises and tutor-marked assignments.

9

Practice applying theoretical concepts to real-world development challenges.

10

Focus on understanding the historical context and evolution of development administration.

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