Training on Network Management
Since, the beginning of 2009 Skat offers a course on Network Management using as conceptual framework the GTZ handbook “Work the Net”. The course is offered both online or as a training workshop.
Rationale, why offering a network management course?
Knowledge networks are starting to have a significant importance in the development cooperation because they contribute to the vision of sustainable development by connecting sectors, organizations and professionals leading to more coordination, coherence, and innovation and by building a stronger knowledge base between organizations and experts.
There are different aspects necessary to successfully manage formal networks such as: how to plan activities in complex systems like networks; how to find a balance between organisations working together (networking) and still keeping their independence; and how to establish an effective communication mechanism that will allow a disperse range of organisations to share information and knowledge.
Network facilitators especially from developing countries have the need to strengthen their capacities, skills and knowledge for “network management”: setting up governance structure of networks, communication strategy of networks, strategic planning, funding and the use of knowledge management techniques.
How is the course being implemented?
The course is offered online or as a tailor-made workshop using theoretical inputs, free and guided chat sessions, online discussions, case studies and exercises.
The course provides a balance between theoretical and practical inputs, giving participants the opportunity to apply in practice what they have learned in theory. It is conceived as very interactive and exchanges and learning among participants is actively supported.
The network management course allows participants to:
- Become aware of the importance and meaning of network management
- Become familiar with concepts on how formal networks can be managed
- Understand structures and processes of formal networks
- Become familiar with methods and instruments for managing formal networks
- Understand the critical factors that can warrantee the success of formal networks
- Strengthen networking skills
| COURSE CONTENTS
1. Basic Concepts on Network Management |
| · Theoretical input on: Management, Knowledge Management and Networking
· Chat session to clarify concepts, discuss about the three topics and share experiences · Exercise 1: Based on a set of pre-established questions participants will have to analyse the development of an existing network |
| 2. Network governance and structure |
| · Theoretical input on: Strategic framework, network governance structure and the role of the network facilitator
· Chat session to clarify concepts, discuss about the theoretical input and share experiences · Exercise 2: Based on a particular Case Study, participants will be asked either to develop the organisational chart of the Network clarifying roles and responsibilities or to establish the Network guidelines and membership rules. |
| 3. Communication and Networks |
| · Theoretical input on: Principles of communication and communication strategy of a network
· Chat session to clarify concepts, discuss about the theoretical input and share experiences · Exercise 3: Based on a particular Case Study, participants will be asked to propose a Communication Strategy for the network · Online – exercise: Drawing on experience with virtual communication tools, participants will share their experience and discuss about virtual communication tools for networking such as e-mail, chat, forums and video – tele conferences |
| 4. Principles of Network Planning |
| · Theoretical input on: Planning in complex systems, time and risk management for networks
· Chat session to clarify concepts, discuss about the theoretical input and share experiences · Exercise 4: Based on a particular Case Study, participants will be asked to develop an operational plan for the network |
