Fundamentals of Humanitarian Management

This unit consists of an enhanced CloudDeakin experience and explores the specific issues and challenges faced by humanitarian organisations and managers operating in humanitarian contexts. Topics examined include: the discourse of ‘professionalisation’ in the sector and its implications for education, training and capacity-building of workers and volunteers in the humanitarian sector; aid worker resilience, well-being and self-management; organisational change, learning and innovation; issues related to operational management in the field; people-management in the humanitarian sector; and safety and security of humanitarian workers. Topics will be explored through the use of case studies and virtual simulation exercises to highlight the importance of building trust, communication, accountability, decision-making, coordination and teamwork when working in complex humanitarian emergencies.

Module 1: Humanitarian Professionalisation and Aid worker Motivations: Current dynamics and future trends of humanitarianism, in particular, professionalisation of the humanitarian sector; and exploration into motivations of humanitarian workers
 
Module 2: Aid Worker Motivations and Wellbeing: an examination of the importance of self-management of health and well-being by reflection on the common emotional and physical health issues affecting aid workers.
 
Module 3: Operational Support: introduces the operational systems and processes commonly involved in humanitarian response.
 
Module 4: Organisational Dynamics & People Management: Critically examining humanitarian HR systems, quality standards and evaluate the strengths and limitations of current HR policies and frameworks in practice for which humanitarians operate. We will explore key aspects associated with various approaches to scaling up in humanitarian operations.
 
Module 5: Safety & Security in Humanitarian Action: Examine current global data, perceptions and trends related to safety and security. We will critically examine the claim that violence against, and risks faced by aid workers in the field, have increased. We will also examine key aspects of operational security management and evaluate the strengths and limitations of remote management.

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Essay, 40%, 2000 words
Group Assignment, 30%, 1500 words
Journals, 15% each, 750 words x 2

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