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2025-2026 / ENVT0736-6

Development projects management and communication, Théorie et travaux pratiques

Duration

12h Th, 12h Pr

Number of credits

 Advanced Master in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus2 crédits 

Lecturer

Cécile Cavalade, Bakary Djaby, Bernard Tychon

Coordinator

Bernard Tychon

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

  • Module 1: Introduction and context of development projects - role of projects in public policies, stakeholders, aid coordination (case PCS-DR).
  • Module 2: Project design and financing - identification, formulation, project preparation, logical framework, theory of change, donor approaches (EU, WB, IFAD, UN, AfDB, JICA).
  • Module 3: Implementation - operational organization, project management units, procurement, financial management, risk management.
  • Module 4: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) - results-based management, indicators, monitoring systems (EU, WB, IFAD, UN), digital tools (dashboards, GIS).
  • Module 5: Closure and capitalization - final reports, audits, institutional ownership, sustainability, capitalization and dissemination of lessons learned.
  • Module 6: Comparative case studies - critical analysis of African projects (EU, WB, IFAD, FAO, JICA, AfDB), identification of successes and failures.
Communication in projects is addressed transversally at each stage of the project cycle.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

  • Explain the role of projects and programs in development policies and their articulation with strategic frameworks (SDGs, Agenda 2063, PEM, Malabo).
  • Master the project life cycle and compare the approaches of different donors (EU, World Bank, IFAD, UN, AfDB, JICA).
  • Design a project using the logical framework and/or theory of change approach.
  • Prepare a budget and identify donor financing mechanisms.
  • Apply a results-based monitoring and evaluation approach.
  • Identify aid coordination challenges and propose appropriate mechanisms.
  • Analyze and critically assess African case studies, identifying success and failure factors.
  • Understand and plan the key moments of communication in the project cycle.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

No specific prerequisite. Familiarity with international development issues is an asset.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

  • Interactive lectures with PowerPoint materials.
  • Group work (4 students): design of a mini-project including logical framework, budget and communication plan.
  • Case studies: PCS-DR (Madagascar), PSDSA/PNIASAN (Benin), COMPACT (AfDB, Madagascar).
  • Role play: simulation of a donor-government steering committee.
  • Collective discussions and quizzes to check understanding.
  • Accompanied work: exchanges during class and by email with the lecturer.

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face course


Further information:

Face-to-face course. Possibility of hybrid sessions depending on conditions.

Course materials and recommended or required readings


Further information:

  • Mandatory: PPT slides and teaching notes provided by the lecturer.
  • Optional: portfolio of complementary documents (reports, guides, manuals) available online.
  • Recommended readings:
   - EuropeAid, 2004, Project Cycle Management Guidelines.

   - EuropeAid, 2010, Financial management manual for beneficiaries of EU external action funds.

   - EuropeAid, 2015, Practical Guide to contract procedures for EU external actions (PRAG).

   - UNDP, 2009, Handbook on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating for Development Results.

   - IFAD, RIMS - Results and Impact Management System.

   - World Bank, Project Cycle.

   - African Union, Malabo Declaration (2014).

   - Mefalopulos, 2008, Development communication sourcebook, World Bank.

Written work / report


Further information:

The assessment combines group work and an oral presentation:

  • Group work: design of a mini-project (logical framework, budget, communication plan). Weight: 60% or 100% if no oral exam.
  • Individual oral exam: presentation and critical discussion of the work. Weight: 40%.
Adaptations may be made 

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Attendance is compulsory to ensure group work and interactive discussions.

Contacts

Campus Arlon
Avenue de Longwy 185
6700 Arlon

bernard.tychon@uliege.be
bakary.djaby@uliege.be

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online

Project Management Conception - Proble TREE
This module explains how an idea becomes a funded project, through the stages of identification, formulation, and validation, using methodological tools such as the problem tree, theory of change, and logical framework.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Implementation, Management and Monitoring of Development Projects
Module 3 provides an operational overview of project implementation in development programs. It covers the use of contractual documents (financing agreements, operational and financial manuals), the key start-up steps, technical and financial management, and the specific procedures of major donors (EU, World Bank, IFAD). The module also introduces digital management tools such as OPSYS and highlights the importance of annual work planning, procurement, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure project performance, compliance, and accountability.