IDMG Course Guide  

Welcome! 

       We are honored to have you onboard IDMG, a flagship of innovation in graduate education.

       Right now, three study modes are open to you: (1) full-time residential; (2) part-time residential; and (3) off-campus.

       If you take up a full load of 12 or more units per semester, then you are on full-time residential mode. If your load is less than this, then you are on part-time mode. Both mean that you attend classes in the UPLB campus, but part-timers can come only during weekends. Weekend classes are held Saturdays, so most part-timers take only two courses every semester ( one in the morning and another in the afternoon).

       Your organization or network can also partner with IDMG an off-campus offering. In this mode, classes are held at the partner’s quarters. Professors therefore travel to your designated venue. Tuition fee for this mode of offering is generally higher, as the cost of travel by the faculty has to be covered by the fee.

       Two graduate degree programs are currently offered at IDMG: the Master of Management Major in Development Management (MM-DM), and the Master in Public Affairs Major in Local Governance and Development (MPAf-LGD).

DEGREE PROGRAMS OFFERED

A. Master of Management Major in Development Management (MM-DM)

       MM-DM, 39-unit program, is for you if you work in a development-oriented organization, program or project and you want to be able to tackle the many issues and challenges constantly facing managers; likewise synchronize the energies of government, private and civil society sectors for quality results.

B. Master in Public Affairs Major in Local Governance and Development (MPAf-LGD)

       MPAf-LGD, a 31-unit program, is for you if you work in or collaborate with a local government unit and you want to be more equipped in planning and executing quality governance and service delivery systems.

       Many international students study Development Management and Local Governance at University of the Philippines Los Baños under Institute of Development Management and Governance. There are two masters degree programs offered. Applications for admission to all graduate programs are being handled by the Graduate School.

Master of Management Major in Development Management (MM-DM)

       The Master of Management major in Development Management is designed to strengthen the capacity of middle-level development managers in the application of social sciences, administrative sciences, and management concepts, principles, approaches and strategies in understanding, analyzing, assessing, and managing development processes in a development context. Students internalize greater commitment to serve the interest of the marginalized people and thus enhance their development.

       The 39-unit program can be completed in one and one-half years (three semesters and one summer) for full-time study or three years for part-time study (with classes held Saturdays).

       Upon completion of the MM-DM program, students should be able to:

• Translate national development policies into programs and projects and operational designs, systems and procedures that are people-oriented, participative, capacity-building oriented, and sustainable;

• Mobilize and efficiently utilize human, physical, financial, technological inputs, and other organizational resources for attaining development goals;

• Establish cooperative, coordinative, and complementary intra-agency, inter-agency or inter-sector horizontal and vertical linkages; and

• Design and manage development interventions.

The program has two (2) flexible scheduling options; weekday and weekend (both 16 weeks)

Master in Public Affairs Major in Local Governance and Development (MPAf-LGD)

       Since 1998, the Institute of Development Management and Governance (IDMG) is offering the MPAf-LGD. This is a degree for experienced local staff and executives who want to deepen academic preparation for their jobs. The 31-unit program can be completed in one year (two semesters and one summer) for full-time study or two years for part-time study (with classes held Saturdays).

After completing the program, the student is expected to be able to:

• explain and apply the basic concepts, principles and strategies of local governance, management and development in dealing with public issues and managing local affairs; and

• undertake and supervise extension, research and development activities in local governance and development.

  2  Two is an all-important number in your study. This is the passing grade to complete either program. All your grades are averaged cumulatively every semester, and you are allowed to proceed with your study if your average is 2.0 or better (a grade better than 2.0 is 1.75, 1.5, 1.25, or 1.0).

       Before the end of your first semester in the program, you form your Guidance Committee from the IDMG resident faculty (one chairperson and two members). Your committee chair becomes your adviser. S/He will supervise your coursework and field study. Take your time to browse the qualifications and interests of the faculty before forming your committee.

       Getting halfway through your courses is an important event in your study. Past midway, you take a written exam to gauge your preparedness for completing the program. This is administered every semester by a three-member panel. The specific milestone for this exam is completion of 60% of courses - this means 24 units for MM-DM and units for MPAf-LGD.

       Completing 90+% of courses means you are ready for graduation. What could keep you from this? None if you prepared well for the field study (DM298 or LGD 298), your last course prior to graduation. Here, you are expected to write and defend a report. Work early on your preferred topic and get your adviser’s help.

       Your program is capped by an oral final examination, which is standard in all non-thesis master degrees in UPLB. Your constituted committee will administer the exam.

       Your resident faculty available for Guidance Committee membership may be reached through their e-mail addresses listed below:

FACILITIES

       The College of Public Affairs maintains a lecture hall and several classrooms for instruction purposes. Rooms are provided with computers, video, slides and overhead projectors from which the presenters can choose depending upon the purpose. Students have access to the UPLB Main Library and the library of the International Rice Research Institute. In addition, the College maintains a reading room stocked with books, periodicals and statistical references in management, governance, sociology, economics and photocopies of important course reading materials.

       Microcomputers installed at the Institute of Development Management and Governance serve the IDMG faculty/staff for instruction and research, and can be used by the students free of charge. All computers are connected with the network, and the WWW (World Wide Web) is accessible through the Internet, allowing sending and receiving e-mails convenient.  Other educational and recreational facilities of the UPLB are accessible to the IDMG students.

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LIST OF GRADUATE COURSES OFFERED AT IDMG

Master of Management Major in Development Management (MM-DM)

DM 201. Development Perspective (3). Systems theory and concepts and their application to the analysis of the national development process; comparison of development patterns; and Philippine historical realities and current national development goals and strategies. 3 hrs (class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 204. Management Dimensions of Development Organizations (3). History, environment and dynamics of development organizations; applications of management principles in the analysis of development organizations. 3 hrs (class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 210. Research Management (3). Principles, practices, and dynamics of research management. 3 hrs (class) (1,2)

DM 220. Public Policy and Program Administration for Development (3). Policy formulation analysis, and implementation; program administration and project management for development. 3hrs (class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 221. Fiscal Administration in Development (3). Theories and methods of fiscal administration and their application in the financial planning and analysis of development programs. 3 hrs 9class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 223. Project Development and Management (3). Design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects. 3 hrs (class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 224. Public Affairs Management in Development I (3). Political and administrative structures and processes in national development with emphasis in rural development. 3 hrs (class) PR. COI (1)

DM 225. Public Affairs Management in Development II (3). Concepts, scope, and components of rural development management. Analysis of management environment and behavior in the implementation of rural development programs. 3 hrs (class) PR. DM 224 or COI (2)

DM 230. Planned Change in Development (3). Concepts, models, and strategies of planned transformation. 3 hrs (class) PR. COI (1,2)

DM 241. Managerial Leadership (3). Leadership theories, roles, styles, and skills in various management levels. 3 hrs (class) PR. MGT 101 or COI (1,2)

DM 291. Special Topics (1-3). May betaken twice provided that the total number of units to be credited in the student’s program will not exceed 4 units. (1,2)

DM 298. Field Studies in Development Management (3). PR COI (1,2,S)

DM 299. Graduate Seminar in Development Management (1). May be taken twice. PR. COI (1,2)

Master in Public Affairs Major in Local Governance and Development (MPAf-LGD)

LGD 210 Governance and Development (3). Concepts, models, principles, tools, indicators, practices, issues, trends, and prospects in governance and development. 3hrs (class) PR. None (2)

LGD 211. Delivery Systems for Public Services (3). Theory and practice of public service delivery with focus on local government units. 3 hrs (class) PR. None (2)

LGD 213. Local Fiscal Management (3). Concepts, principles, processes, and practices in local fiscal management, local revenue generation, allocation, utilization, and accountability. 3 hrs. (class) PR. None (2)

LGD 215. Human Resource Management in Local Government Units (3). Principles, practices, trends and issues in human resource management in local government units. 3 hrs (class) PR. None (2)

LGD 216. Organizational Development in Local Government Units (3). Theories, concepts and processes in organizational development and improvement in local government units. 3 hrs (class) PR. None (2)

LGD 291. Special Topics (1-3). May betaken twice provided that the total number of units to be credited in the student’s program will not exceed 4 units. (1,2,S)

LGD 298. Field Studies (3). PR. COI (1,2,S)

LGD 299. Graduate Seminar (1). May be taken twice. PR. COI (1,2,S)

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Research Areas

       The research thrust of the IDMG is basically designed to support its instruction and extension functions and to generate basic knowledge and functional approaches in development management and governance.  The research activities of IDMG are grouped into the following areas:

• Transformation/study of institutions in governance

       The concern of this research thrust is the analysis of the growth, structure, role, and interaction between the civil society, business sector, and political society in public affairs  management.  Similarly, this area of concern assesses the consequences of globalization, regionalization, and industrialization to local communities.

• Rural/livelihood development

       The concern of this research area is the assessment of the processes of rural transformation in the Philippines and the role of planned change in influencing those processes.  Themes of this research area include development strategies and rural transformation, rural diversification and livelihood, and policy perspectives on rural reform.  It also includes researches on the gender issue in rural development and environmental sustainability of rural change processes.

• Study/reduction of poverty/social exclusion

       The area seeks to understand the phenomenon of poverty and why individuals or groups are wholly or partially excluded from full participation in the society. It also focuses on the studies and modeling of poverty reduction strategies.

• Decentralization and local government development

       This area focuses on improving the capacity of local government units in responding to the demands of new or additional responsibilities brought about by decentralization and local autonomy.   

• Participatory governance

      This area of concern provides on assessment of the level or extent in which stakeholders are part of the decision-making process.  It also focuses on the extent to which government involves commercial and civil society organizations in articulating and actualizing human development.  Modes of participation in the policy-making process and public-private partnerships in service delivery systems are also concerns of this area.

• Management theory and practice

      This research area explores the rich experiences of institutions in development and governance and attempts to draw or confirm theories and best practices in management.

 Extension Thrusts

       The IDMG’s extension function is largely complemented by and tied with its research and instruction functions. Extension thrusts are primarily geared towards policy advocacy/reform, enhancing the managerial and/or institutional capability of both public and non-governmental organizations, development and testing of approaches and tools, and dissemination and exchanges of innovative and excellent practices in development management and governance.  Extension efforts take their shape and depth in the various projects and activities such as:

• Technical assistance

      Organizational performance is always influenced by a variety of factors. The perspective of a third eye or expert’s point of view becomes very helpful in identifying the causes or sources of organizational problems and finding the appropriate solutions via collective organizational efforts or expert’s advice.

• Organization development

      While an organization is rather unique in so many aspects, principles and concepts that can explain or predict its behavior are conveniently available. These tools can redefine the goals or redirect the energies of a particular organization and make it relevant again with joint efforts of organization members, assistance of organization and development specialists, and critical support of the top management.

• Management Audit

       Organizational effectiveness and efficiency are primary concerns of management. The organization has to produce the expected outputs or deliver the desired goods and services with the least resources.  But an organization has the natural tendency to be less effective and efficient over time. When this decline in performance happens, the organization needs to perk itself of through re-assessment of workforce vis-a-vis goals. Management audit aims to streamline the manpower complement by establishing more functional work relations without sacrificing results.

• Participatory action research

       Increasingly, the need for more functional models of development and patterns of organization is becoming evident in the field of development management and governance. While theories, concepts and principles are abundant, practical application in the form of models in the field is still wanting. Participatory action research is designed to test a particular concept or model and, at the same time, document the events and experiences to contribute to knowledge building.

• Training

       Both the "new blood" and the "old hands" who belong to the workforce need to enhance and/or sharpen their skills and knowledge about new organizational or technological tools and handles. Training as an approach to this periodic organizational concern prepares people to cope with the inevitable changes in their work.

Vision

       To be a center of innovation and excellence in instruction, research, and extension services in development management and governance.

Mission

The Institute of Development Management and Governance (IDMG) shall:

• strive to develop the management infrastructure that would make development practitioners and academicians well-grounded in development theories and creative and proficient in the application of management concepts, skills, and tools needed in the efficient, effective, responsive, and participative administration of development programs;

• serve as a catalyst in the promotion, development, and application of the science and art of management in the process of nation building;

• endeavor to unify UPLB's efforts to develop administrative and management technology for rural development; produce future leaders and professional managers and enhance the effectiveness of the present middle-level supervisors and rural development project officers or managers;

• contribute to the process of increasing the productivity, income and employment opportunities, and self-reliance of local communities; and

• offer graduate and non-degree training programs to personnel of government or people's organizations in development management, governance, politics, and management-related courses.

PHILOSOPHY

       Building the capacity of individuals, organizations, institutions and networks for good governance and effective development management.

BACKGROUND OF THE INSTITUTE

       The Institute of Development Management and Governance (IDMG) of the College of Public Affairs (CPAf), University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) traces its history from the Management of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) program. The MARD program was created on 08 March 1979 to unify UPLB's effort in developing administrative and management technology for rural development and in developing leaders and professional managers for the rural sector.

       Over the years, the focus on developing sound and appropriate models in social development intervention has prompted the transformation of the MARD program into the Department of Development Management (DDM). On 28 February 1987, the Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines System created the Department of Development Management.

       Towards the end of 1997, UPLB re-examined its programs with the goal of making them more responsive to the challenges and imperatives facing academic institutions in general, and a national university committed to the service of the nation in particular. This re-examination led to the creation of the College of Public Affairs, a merger of several existing interdisciplinary units. The Department of Development Management was included in the merger and through a BOR Resolution, the department was elevated to an institute in January 1998.

Admission

       An applicant to a degree program may be admitted on either regular or probationary status. Regular admission is offered to an applicant whose academic records and supporting documents indicate that he is qualified to undertake graduate study in his chosen field. Probationary admission is offered to an applicant whose academic records and supporting documents indicate deficiencies but show promise success in graduate study. An applicant must meet the specific requirements of his admission before his probationary status can be changed to regular. An applicant who fails to meet the terms of probationary admission is disqualified from the intended program of study.

       No student shall be denied admission to the University System by reasons of age, sex, nationality, religious belief or political affiliation.

       Every applicant for admission shall undergo a thorough health examination. No person shall be admitted to this University if he is found by the University Health Service to be suffering from a dangerous, communicable or infectious disease or is physically unfit to take courses in any college of the University.

       Every student shall, upon admission, sign the following pledge: “In consideration of my admission to the University of the Philippines Los Baños and of the privileges of a student in this institution, I hereby promise and pledge to abide by and comply with all the rules and regulations laid down by the competent authority in the University and in the college or school in which I am enrolled.”  Refusal to take this pledge or violation of its terms shall be sufficient cause for summary dismissal or denial of admission.

       No person who has not duly matriculated may be admitted to the classes. In exceptional cases, the University Registrar may on the recommendation of the Dean concerned, authorize the admission of a visitor to a class for not more than five sessions cause for summary dismissal or denial of admission. and in the college or school in which I am enrolled.

Step 1.  See if you meet the minimum qualifications