MSD 5101: The Strategic Environment

The module seeks to bring into focus the operating environment in which Guyana exists, the major players who exert influence through varying interests, and the implications resulting from threats to these interests. The objective of the course is to enable participants/students to: understand the interests of States and Institutions and appreciate how these interests determine, influence behavior and shape policies.

MSD 5102: State Institutions and Governance

This module seeks to inform on the political framework of governance and institutional structures necessary for growth and development. It presents an understanding of how government, public sector, private sector, civil society and other key stakeholders interact to help shape good governance practices. The objectives of the course are to enable participants/students to understand the concept of governance and its relevance to the contemporary environment; appreciate the role institutions play within the governance construct.; appreciate the need for public policies to promote good governance and develop the aptitude to make convincing recommendations of the most appropriate democratic institutions and governance structures for the achievement of national policy, strategic and developmental goals.

MSD 5103: Policy Formulation for Strategic Development

This module identifies strategic studies in areas of policy formulation at the national, regional, and international levels. It takes a theoretical and practical approach by exposing participants to the dynamics of policies and to various frameworks for policy development.

AND/OR Elective WW 5101: Any three/ four (3/4) credits Master level course (subject to approval) as an elective

AND/OR Elective: of their choice offered in this semester.

MSD 5201: Evolving Issues in Democracy and the Contemporary Environment

The module provides the historical context of political theories, their evolution, and impact. Participants will be exposed to the fundamentals of the modern state and the obligations such states have to this realm. The objectives of the course are to enable participants/students to understand and appreciate the theories and practices of democracy, and how they help shape relations with other international and regional actors. It also equips students with the critical thinking skills for participation in a democratic society.

MSD 5203: Capstone Research - Part 1

This course seeks to guide students in the fundamentals of research which culminates in a capstone project on a topical issue relating to strategic development in their context. Students will also be exposed to critical thinking skills as a necessary tool for writing and producing research which is well argued. The course will also seek to provide participants with an understanding of the research process and the basic structure of a research.

MSD 5204: Data and Information Management

It is often said that “data is the new oil”. This module provides students with an introduction to the core concepts in data and information management and their application in organizational decision making. Data Management is concerned with the processes of capturing, organizing, and managing data as an organizational resource with the goal of providing maximum benefits to an organization, individual and Information Systems. Whereas Information Management is mainly concerned with the processes, technology and people that define and implement structures and controls over the processing, delivery and usage of information in organizational management, decision making and business intelligence. To this end, this course introduces students to various tools, techniques, approaches, and issues associated with these organizational resource management goals. It acknowledges that academic rigour and practical relevance are important to the pursuit of these goals. In this regard, this course tends toward practical relevance as it provides students with the opportunity to combine theory and practice. Students will collect data using different collection methods and analytical techniques in a practical decision-making context while maintaining requisite academic rigour. The preceding will serve as the basis for student’s appreciation of the nexus between evidence-based organizational decision making and policy development

AND/OR Elective WW 5201: Any three/ four (3/4) credits Master level course (subject to approval) as an elective

AND/OR Elective: of their choice offered in this semester.

MSD 5302: Strategic Leadership

This module exposes students to the challenges of strategic leadership in an increasingly complex environment. It is anchored on the foundational principle that leadership is a behaviour and not a position; therefore, the module examines strategic leadership through the framework of what behaviours are required, what knowledge must be acquired, and what actions must be taken by a strategic leader.

MSD 5203: Capstone Research Project - Part 2

Students will employ critical thinking skills while engaging with the literature and writing up research and apply the tools of research in the conduct, preparation, and finalization of a research project/thesis.