This module is designed to equip students with the analytical, methodological, and practical expertise needed to make a positive contribution to development. The module examines development as a cooperative process between the state, private sector, and civil society organizations.

Therefore, it explores the essential linkage of these actors and their role in international, national, regional, and local development. It will start with an examination of the concept and meanings of development, the objectives, dynamics, and challenges of development, and theories and strategies of development, and then it will explore the role and contribution of various partners in development, including the public sector, the private sector, NGOs, and bilateral and multilateral organizations.

Ensuring quality of life, income, and employment for international, national, regional, and local communities is no longer the sole responsibility of governments but is a good governance venture that requires the participation and synergy of multiple stakeholders.

The module adopts an interdisciplinary and comparative approach to examine the macro, meso, and micro levels where multiple actors and organizations come together to play their role in development planning and projects based on the practical reality of the country, regions, cities, and rural areas. It discusses their mutual relationships of conflict and cooperation, focusing on strengthening their capacities to bring about economic growth, create employment, empower communities, and reduce poverty. It analyzes processes of national, regional, and local change in economic, social, political, and territorial issues within the context of sustainable development, globalization, decentralization, and the search for competitiveness. Students can focus on economic development promotion, social development strategies, and rural and urban poverty reduction, as well as municipal governance and management, to learn more about identifying, designing, and managing specific development strategies.