Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Core learning outcomes:
- Understanding different views about the causes of poverty
- Understanding the concept of market-based development, including the most common approaches
- Recognizing when market-based development approaches may be appropriate, and how market-based development supplements other development approaches
- Develop critical thinking skills to assess how well an intervention is embedded in the local context
- Understanding the need for multi-stakeholder partnerships in market-based development, and how to assemble and manage these partnerships
- Critically assessing the ethics involved in market-based development, especially the impact of unequal power balances
Credits: 6
Schedule: 08.09.2020 - 15.10.2020
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Sara Lindeman, Patrick Shulist
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Sara Lindeman, Patrick Shulist
Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):
For general enrollment and content question please contact Patrick (In English). For general questions about market-based development, please contact either of us.
Dr. Patrick Shulist: patrick.shulist@aalto.fi
Dr. Sara Lindeman: sara.lindeman@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The course introduces the concept of market-based development as it is broadly undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and other developing contexts; collectively, the Global South. Market-based development does not offer a panacea for poverty-alleviation, but rather offers a powerful set of tools that work in some situations. As such, we will discuss when market-based approaches, such as microfinance, value-chain development, entrepreneurial training, and last-mile provisions, are appropriate and effective. Moreover, we will help students understand how to effectively structure interventions by focusing on three key pillars:
- Context: interventions must be appropriately tailored to the specific political, institutional, scarcity, and historical contexts.
- Partnerships: given the complexity of market-based development, partnerships involving different NGOs, businesses, and government entities are critical.
- Ethics: it is imperative to understand the fundamental power imbalances at play, as well as the importance of not presupposing that outsiders (especially Europeans versed in a different institutional context) know what is best for local communities.
To help us understand the complexities and nuances of all of these topics, the course will have a number of guest speakers who represent a cross-section of the actors involved in market-based development. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to integrate this learning by undertaking a final group-based project focused on providing solutions to the challenges encountered in real-world market-based development interventions.
Applies in this implementation:
The course introduces the concept of market-based development as it is broadly undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America, and other developing contexts; collectively, the Global South. Market-based development does not offer a panacea for poverty-alleviation, but rather offers a powerful set of tools that work in some situations. As such, we will discuss when market-based approaches, such as microfinance, value-chain development, entrepreneurial training, and last-mile provisions, are appropriate and effective. Moreover, we will help students understand how to effectively structure interventions by focusing on three key pillars:
- Context: interventions must be appropriately tailored to the specific political, institutional, scarcity, and historical contexts.
- Partnerships: given the complexity of market-based development, partnerships involving different NGOs, businesses, and government entities are critical.
- Ethics: it is imperative to understand the fundamental power imbalances at play, as well as the importance of not presupposing that outsiders (especially Europeans versed in a different institutional context) know what is best for local communities.
To help us understand the complexities and nuances of all of these topics, the course will have a number of guest speakers who represent a cross-section of the actors involved in market-based development. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to integrate this learning by undertaking a final group-based project focused on providing solutions to the challenges encountered in real-world market-based development interventions.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Group Projects (30%)
Final Presentation (15%)
Individual Assignments (55%)
Applies in this implementation:
Group Project (45%)
Final Presentation (20%)
Individual Assignments (35%)
Workload
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
160 hours
DETAILS
Study Material
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
A selection of articles, cases, and videos.
Prerequisites
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
None. Content will be tailored to students with different levels of experience in market-based development, including those with no background. This will be done primarily by offering optional sessions at the start of class that cover some of the "basic" background materials. Students with experience in development, and especially market-based development, will be able to earn extra credit by facilitating these optional sessions. In general though, the instructors will deliver and facilitate most material.
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
1 No Poverty
2 Zero Hunger
3 Good Health and Well-being
4 Quality Education
5 Gender Equality
8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
13 Climate Action
17 Partnerships for the Goals
- Teacher: Sara Lindeman
- Teacher: Patrick Shulist
- Teacher: Shreya Sood