MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT (DM) The main objective of the DM programme is to address the fundamental challenges of sustainable development through education and research. The programme is implemented by network of universities in the South and the North. From the North, it is the University of Agder and the main partner in the South is the University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka. The other partner universities are: - Mzumbe University in Tanzania - Mekelle University in Ethiopia - Makerere University in Uganda - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana This programme is an internet based (e-learning) programme with two face-to-face sessions, a three week session in Norway and a four-week session at a partner university.

Main Achievements and the Impact on Development NOMA-DM programme has made a substantial contribution to address the issue of the lack of manpower with skills in development management in developing countries. DM programme has been designed to produce academics and professionals with appropriate training in development management. Capacities in the universities in the South have been strengthened by recruiting junior lecturers to the DM programme and allowing the Southern universities to use the DM course modules in their own postgraduate programmes. Research capacity of the partner universities has substantially improved. Very important development issues have been analysed in their dissertations. Some of these dissertations have been selected by international publishers for publication. The e-learning approach of the programme has strengthened the partners’ own e-learning activities which are instrumental in bridging the digital divide. Women empowerment:is another important contribution. At least 50% of the students are females. In the case of Sri Lanka this proportion is 65%.

Main Achievements and the Impact on Development ……. The programme has produced high quality graduates with new knowledge, skills and attitudes. After two intense working years on computers, they are at the forefront in computer skills. Multicultural communication: four partner universities in Africa, one in Asia and one in Norway. A network, by its international design, provides global perspective much needed by students and their professors to build tolerance between different cultures and value systems. Very low drop-out rate. From less than 10% to no drop-out at all. It is cost effective in the way that students can study on-line and are not dependent on staying in a northern country to conduct their postgraduate studies.

Important Lessons Learned The socio-constructivist pedagogy used in the DM programme demands strong group collaboration and this is one of the fundamental approaches of the study. The synergy depends on everyone’s contribution, and if the groups do not function well, participants cannot hand in good assignments nor discussion in fruitful and analytical manner. Students are working within a socio-constructivist pedagogical framework enables them to draw on each others experiences in a multicultural environment as the group composition is always a mixture of Norwegian, African and Asian students. The carefully prepared study guides have been crucial for the learning outcomes. Specially trained tutors are very vital. They have to establish a dynamic group work environment where all have been included and given equal access. The blended approach (on-line with two face to face periods) has contributed to keep the drop-out rate to a minimum.