Program Introduction:

The "International Executive Master in Development Studies" (IMAS) is a joint program between the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID - Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement) and AITVN.

The IMAS has been designed to respond to the training needs and demands of development professionals working in such diverse organisations as: public administrations, NGOs (national and international), cooperation and development agencies (funding and donor agencies), centres for training and applied research, and private institutions. The aim of the IMAS is to bring together theoretical knowledge of major development challenges, with the practical experience of the participants, around a core theme: Development and globalisation, between growth and exclusion. In addition to theoretical knowledge, this program also offers participants the chance to acquire tools that enable them to properly comprehend the global context: in other words, cross-cutting competencies whose academic dimension is increasingly indispensable to any professional training. Through its diversity of teaching methods, the IMAS provides a dual analysis of the relationship and links between globalisation and development.

Objectives

The primary objective of the IMAS is to promote the notion of human development that is both sustainable and equitable and takes into account the cultural diversity of the region and the country in which the student exercises his/her profession. Indeed it is hoped that on the completion of the program, the student will be in a stronger position to take "good" decisions in the public interest. These include, among others, decisions aimed at improving access to public property, a more equitable division of labor between the private and public sectors, increasing income, and a fairer distribution of wealth.

In order to do this, the student will have learned to:

• Reflect on socio-economic and political realities as well as on the effects of globalization at different levels and according to a variety of criteria;
• Make comparisons between his/her own particular professional situation and the wider context engendered by globalization;
• Undertake an analysis of a particular social context and present it both orally and as a written report. This will require a study of a wide variety of factor including the actors, assets, resources both available and potential, as well as of organizational, economic and social problems (stagnation, conflicts of interest, obstacles to development, etc);
• Elaborate strategies/scenarios for potential solutions;
• Be confident about taking decisive action; organizational management and decision making;
• Learn from the experiences of other continents and so broaden his/her horizons.

Guiding theme

"Development and Globalization: between Growth and Exclusion"

This heading of the program includes a critical analysis of the following:

• The obstacles, opportunities and possibilities offered by both specific and general contexts;
• Questions of governance and the changing role of the State and of public and private actors;
• International trends and the characteristics of the development paradigm;
• The relationship between economic development generated by growth and human development determined by social factors;
• The link between local development and the wider global context.

Program structure:

The program consists of 3 phases.

Phase 1: 2 August - 1 October 2010

Introduction to the concepts, theories and methods taking place in Vietnam.

The curriculum for the first phase of the course, which takes place on the three continents, consists of five introductory  modules.  Some  of these will  be supplemented by visits to projects that illustrate, through the use of real-life case studies, some of the particular themes dealt with over the different modules. A detailed programme will be distributed prior to each individual phase.

Phase 2: 4 October - 21 January 2011

In principle, this phase will be carried out in the students' own countries of residence. It will involve the analy- sis of a specific development-related issue. The students' proposed subject for the field study must be discussed with their current employer institution or another organisation acting as a host institution in advance and will need to be approved  by the IMAS Scientific  Committee  during the admission procedure. This subject can, however, with the approval of the Committee, be adapted and refined during the first phase of the course. Students will go to the field with a clearly defined field study subject, a detailed work plan and a methodology that have been elaborated during the first phase of the course.

Phase 3: 24 January - 8 April 2011

Consolidation of knowledge and exchange of experiences at the Institute in Geneva, for all participants who have suc- cessfully completed the first two phases (End of January to April).
Summary During this phase, students will attend modules (including  one module  by  e-learning)  that explore  in greater depth some of the subjects that have already been studied. Students will  complete their own theses and participate in debates related to their fellow students' research projects. This phase will also enable them to make a critical observation of developed countries, and in partic- ular Switzerland, with its various forms of wealth and exclu- sion. Finally, it will also give the students an opportunity to become acquainted with some of the national and interna- tional organisations based in Switzerland.

Program curricula:

(This is a provisional program. Some changes may occur before the beginning of the Phase 1)

Phase 1: Introduction to concepts, theories and methods of study

Module 1: Introduction to Development Studies

The aim of this module is to provide student with basic understanding of various aspects of development, as a set of historical processes and as a practical intervention to effect change for human welfare. It demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of development and introduces development theories. The module has also a special focus on gender as a cross-cutting approach.

The module will:

• Introduce development theories;
• Briefly trace the history of development in the so-called developing world;
• Demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of Development Studies as a field within the social sciences;
• Provide opportunity for discussions on development practice, tool and mechanisms to effect social change
• To understand gender as a fundamental organizing principle in society that creates inequalities and hierarchies
• To understand the basic requirements of doing a gender analysis and apply this to a specific case or context (e.g., livelihoods ; migration)

Module 2: Introduction to Research Methods and Techniques in Social Sciences

This module, which deals with methodology, is a crucial part of the course as it deals with documentary research (literature-based research), the use of communication tools and the use of tools provided by new information technologies, different methods for analyzing issues, how to prepare for a thesis and how to write and present a Master thesis. This module will also provide a scientific framework for analysis, which will enable the students to better organize their research work, and to structure and organize their ideas as well as their written papers and oral presentations.

The module will discuss:

• Data collection (interviews, observations, data sources, etc.)
• Data analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
• Writing a research in social sciences
• Research skills

Module 3: Development and Globalization: Between Growth and Exclusion

The content of this module is closely linked to the local context and will deal with the following:

• An analysis of the problems engendered by globalization and the form they take at local and Asian regional levels: growth, inequality, exclusion, commercial and financial globalization, debt, structural adjustment, ecological problems, etc.;
• An analysis of development strategies implemented at Asian national, sub-regional and international levels;
• An examination of the globalization impacts on rural development with a concrete case study;
• A critical look at the current issues in poverty and social inequalities issues in Southeast Asia with a special attention on health issues;

The module discuss:

• The Asian Miracle analysis: the limits of the model
• The crisis: origin and consequences
• Poverty reduction and social inequalities
• The social inequalities in light of the health care system
• Globalization and rural development 

Sub-module 3: Globalization and Environment

This module is aimed to introduce the students with current debates on the environmental impacts of development and globalization.

It will include:

• An analysis of how development and globalization are seen in environmental perspectives,
• An analysis of why environmental degradation occurs in the course of economic growth and economic integration,  
• A discussion of how essential environmental management should be considered in socio-economic policies and programs for a development which is more sustainable,
• Fora for explanation and debate on the current discourses on biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation in the region, and
• Illustrations on how environmental management is implemented in practice via case studies and a field trip concerning biodiversity conservation and/or climate change adaptation project.

Module 4: International Development Cooperation - A Critical Look at the main Challenges and Stakes of IDC.

This module will provide an overview of current debates on the role of international cooperation systems. Looking at international development cooperation include both political and operational dimensions. The students will get familiar with key notions of the field such as conditionality, alignment, ownership. International instruments such as the Paris declaration will also be reviewed. The module focuses not only on macro instruments IDC but also on micro aspects. For instance, it explores a key phase in the project cycle, the identification phase.

The topics of discussion are:

• Assessing international development cooperation
• Policy coherence in development cooperation
• Instruments, and forms of intervention
• ODA Stakeholders
• Project cycle overview

Module 5: State and Society Relations in Southeast Asia- Introduction and Discussions on Decentralization and Governance

This module addresses the impacts of globalization on one of the key actor in the field of development: the State. It first proposes to understand how globalization has reshaped the State. Then emphasis will be placed on two core State reforms that are promoted by virtually all donors: governance and decentralization. After having understood what these concepts are covering, the module will investigate with examples how the governance and decentralization objectives can be achieved in a development context and what are their limitations.

• Governance: concept, theories and mode
• Decentralization
• Public administration reform
• Globalization, development and modern State

Phase 2: Field research

In this phase the student will primarily concentrate on analyzing a specific topic related to the overall theme of the program. The proposed topic for this field research will form a part of the candidate's application. The subject of the field research will be definitely decided and defined during the first phase of the program. Thus the student will go to the field with a defined theme, workplan and methodology. The support of the host institution is absolutely vital to ensure, amongst others, access to information and to a network of useful contact.

This phase will provide hands-on observation of a particular development context using a specific pre-defined question as a starting point. To carry out such an observation from a social science perspective could entail, depending on the subject chosen, an analysis of one or several items in relation to:

• The institutional setting: the actors, their interactions, powers, the stakes;
• The management of collective interests: public policies and their implementation in the regional, local and sectoral settings; the division of labour between the State, the private sector, and the voluntary sector; decentralization policies; questions of governance;
• An analysis of gender and questions of multi-cuturalism (the topic of gender can also be analyzed from other angles in relation to other theme);
• Conflict management: to reduce the negative impact of conflict on development;
• Urban and rural planning: distribution of land for different activities, habitat, etc;
• Natural resources: availability, assets and limitations, potentialities, use, etc.;
• Infrastructure: water, communications, etc.
• Social sectors: education/training, health, labour, etc.;
• Production: type of activities, commercial networks, etc.

Phase 3: Consolidation and Exchange of Knowledge

Ten weeks to consolidate knowledge and exchange experiences at the Institute (Geneva), with all students who have successfully completed the first two phases. Phase 3 runs from the end of January to the beginning of April.

This phase enables all IMAS students to meet and exchange. Students finish writing their thesis. At the same time they attend consolidation modules (including distance learning modules). The modules include visits to international organizations, NGOs and other public and private organizations.

Faculty :

Prof. Daniel Fino
Director of IMAS
Social management, International cooperation

Prof. Jean-Luc Maurer
President of EADI (European Association of Development Institutions)
Socio economics, Social issues in SEA, Rural development

Prof. Jean Daniel Raihorn
IHEID
Health care specialist

Dr. Christophe Gironde
IHEID
Rural Development

Prof. William Zimmerman
School of Management, AIT
Administrative science, Administrative methods

Dr. Bernadette Resurreccion
School of Environment, Resources and Development, AIT
Gender studies

Dr. Alexandre Dormeier Freire
IHEID - IMAS Regional Advisor to Asia
Sociologist, Social and Economical issues in SEA

Dr. Nguyen Huong Thuy Phan
AITCV - IMAS Pedagogic Coordinator
Environment and Water Resource Development

Entry requirement :

To be eligible for admission to the IMAS,

• Candidates must have professional experience and hold positions of responsibility in a public or private sector organization;
• Candidates must have a university degree and professional experience in development or an equivalent qualification;
• Countries of residence: Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, European and North America countries.
• Knowledge of languages: English and basic of French
• Candidates must have basic computer skills
• Candidates must be able to count on support of the institution where they choose to carry out their field research
• Age between 25 - 40

Admission schedule :

Interested applicants who meet the qualifications for admission should contact AIT in Vietnam (AITVN), Hanoi for application forms. To apply for admission, an applicant must submit:

• Application form duly completed + 3 passport photos
• Curriculum vitae
• A brief bio-data (see Information for Candidates)
• Certificate from the institution hosting the field-based research
• Description of the proposed research topic
• Copies of certificates, diplomas, certificate of completed education
• Any English and/or French language certificates obtained.
• Recommendation letter
• 3 letters to ask for fund to study

Applications for the program must be received by 31 January 2010 at the following addresses:

IMAS Program

Asian Institute of Technology in Vietnam (AITVN)
University of Transportation and Communication
B3 Buiding, Lang Thuong, Dong Da, Hanoi, Vietnam

Or

Email: imas_asia@graduateinstitute.ch
Fax: +41-22-906 59 94 (IMAS Secretariat). Please send a hard copy by regular mail.
Post: IHEID, IMAS Secretariat, rue Rothschild 24, 1211 Geneva 21, Switzerland.

Download application form

Fee & Scholarships :

• Admission fees CHF 2,000. This is compulsory for all persons admitted to course, payable after admission confirmed.
• Compulsory costs : Tuition fees for academic year 2009/2010 is CHF 28,000. These fees include : teaching costs, supervision of students, teaching materials, interpretation fees, teaching infrastructure, remote teaching, administration and coordination.
• Variable costs during 1st and 3rd phase (international + local transport, accommodation, food, and insurance). These figures are indicative only; final costs will depend on the individual expenses incurred by each student. These costs are estimated at approx CHF 12,000.- (this amount does not cover the 2nd phase).
• Students may benefit from logistical support in organising the 1st and 3rd phases.

Contact person :

Ms. Bich Diep
Tel: + 84 (4) 37669493 ext.126
Mobile: + 84 (0) 9 36 26 26 84
Email: diep@aitcv.ac.vn