Optional Modules
OPT-G1: Advanced PP theories and policy considerations
The Module examines theories of participatory planning and relevant policy considerations. The discussion begins by explaining the social and political dimensions of planning, followed by a critical review of the evolution of spatial planning approaches in relation to public participation. The Learning outcomes of this Module are: i) Knowledge of the evolution of spatial planning approaches with regard to PP, ii) Understanding the shift towards new forms of urban governance, iii) Comprehension of different participatory models and typologies / critiques, iv) Ability to identify critical parameters for successful PP as well as potential barriers or forms of “nonparticipation”, v) Usage of obtained knowledge for planning purposes.
This module is developed in conjunction with Module BASIC-1, particularly regarding the historical overview of participatory planning (section 3.2 of BASIC-1), and it seeks to provide a more comprehensive examination of specific elements of the subject, such as Arnstein’s “ladder of citizen participation”. The two Modules discuss various and at the same time complementary aspects of the theoretical background of participatory planning. Their substance as training materials in reference to the theoretical foundations and historical evolution of concepts and approaches may be amended and further deliberated in connection with the course context and the needs of the trainees.
Keywords:
Participatory Planning; Spatial / Urban Planning; Public Participation; Planning Theories; Governance; Communicative Model; Sustainability; Resilience
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Italian
Bulgarian
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OPT-G2: Participatory GIS for Planning
This module focuses on introducing students to the concept of Participatory GIS (PGIS) and its application in spatial planning. It integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from geography, social sciences, and environmental studies to foster a comprehensive understanding of PGIS. The module explores foundational principles, practical approaches, and digital tools, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to effectively engage in participatory spatial planning processes.
Aims
- To familiarize students with the concept and significance of Public Participatory GIS (PPGIS) in the context of spatial planning.
- To develop an understanding of how PPGIS merges geographical, social, and environmental disciplines for a holistic planning approach.
- To introduce students to the fundamental principles and methodologies associated with PPGIS.
- To enable students to identify, evaluate, and apply appropriate digital tools for effective participatory planning using PPGIS techniques.
Keywords:
PPGIS; Public Participatory GIS; GIS; Spatial Planning; Digital Tools; Software; Spatial Data
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Greek
Italian
Bulgarian
Polish
OPT-G3: Digital Decision-Making Support System
The European Commission (2020) highlights decision-making and assessment tools in policy development for achieving objectives and indicators. Monitoring and impact assessments track progress and goal achievement. National Statistical Institutes provide crucial data for sustainable development aligned with SDGs. Tools beyond traditional statistics are needed, integrating government and external data for dynamic policies. Sustainability Assessment supports decision-making in environmental, economic, and social contexts. Indicator sets manage sustainability variables, with SDGs as a global framework, though local application, especially in urban areas, faces challenges like data availability and urban complexity. Despite challenges, tools like multicriteria analysis and Sustainability Assessment Tools help localize SDG indicators and support urban transformation. They assist planners, designers, and authorities in engaging stakeholders and evaluating urban projects, promoting sustainable development.
This module builds on the PRIN project “GLOcal knowledge-System for the Sustainable Assessment of urban projects” (GLOSSA), developing a knowledge-system for urban transformation decisions, aligned with the National Resilience Plan (NRP). It innovates by using existing and new indicators, localizing global indicators for national and local levels to measure sustainable development progress. The module features the GLOSSA project’s IBTool, a multicriteria evaluation tool managing indicators and prioritizing them for different territorial realities and design phases. It uses problem-based learning with lectures, design activities, IBTool application, and discussions, helping students tackle urban transformation complexities through analysis, reflection, and problem-solving.
Keywords:
Sustainable Development; SDG11; Knowledge-System; Assessment Tool; Indicators; Urban Transformations
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Bulgarian
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OPT-G4: Management skills and techniques for Participatory Planning A: Community Development and Engagement
The participatory planning process is based on the cooperation of various stakeholder groups, such as residents, representatives of authorities, or nongovernmental organizations. Each of these groups often has unique needs, priorities, and perspectives, which can sometimes be in conflict. Balancing these diverse interests is essential to achieve equitable and sustainable outcomes. Contemporary challenges, such as lack of interest from stakeholders or difficulties in building dialogue between different groups, emphasize the importance of effective human capital management and the use of engagement techniques. Successfully conducting a participatory planning process requires advanced skills in human capital management and employing effective techniques to actively engage diverse stakeholders in the decision-making process. These efforts help ensure that the planning process is inclusive, collaborative, and impactful.
The current Module focuses on developing the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively conduct participatory decision-making processes, in particular the community development and methods of engaging various groups of stakeholders.
The main goals of the module are:
- Introduce students to the strategies of community development,
- Explore the role of social and human capital in social participation processes,
- Equip students with social leadership skills, establish cooperation, and create social networks,
- Introduce students how to use ICT tools to enhance community development and participation.
Keywords:
Community Development; Community Engagement; Social Leadership; Management;
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Greek
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Bulgarian
Polish
OPT-G5: MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES FOR PARTICIPATORY PLANNING B: CONFLICT MEDIATION AND NEGOTIATION – COMMUNICATION AND FACILITATION TECHNIQUES
The module immerses students in the principles and practices of participatory approaches within the unique context of participatory projects and their financial management. Students will gain an understanding of the essence of participatory projects, explore various sources of project funding, and develop knowledge of the financial management cycle—from budgeting to financial reporting.
Key topics include project feasibility studies and conceptualization, budgeting and financial planning, tools and techniques for effective financial management, and financial transparency and accountability. By critically analyzing the building blocks of a project and the categories of project budgets, students will strengthen their skills in managing participatory projects, budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
The module culminates in a practical exercise in which students design a project log-frame, demonstrating their understanding of the financial management cycle and its application in participatory projects.
The main goals of the module are:
- Explain the principles of project funding and finance in the context of participatory projects.
- Discuss various sources of project funding, including grants, loans, and community contributions.
- Familiarize students with the financial management cycle, from budgeting to financial reporting.
- Equip learners with fundamental skills and techniques for managing project budgets within participatory projects.
The course can be supported by MS Teams tools and digital platforms for participatory planning.
Keywords:
Participatory Projects; Project Management; Financial Management Cycle; Budgeting; Participatory Budgets; Transparency; Accountability
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Greek
Italian
Bulgarian
Polish
OPT-G6: Management skills and techniques for Participatory Planning: Project Funding and Finance
The module immerses students in the principles and practices of participatory approaches within the unique context of participatory projects and their financial management. Students will gain an understanding of the essence of participatory projects, explore various sources of project funding, and develop knowledge of the financial management cycle—from budgeting to financial reporting.
Key topics include project feasibility studies and conceptualization, budgeting and financial planning, tools and techniques for effective financial management, and financial transparency and accountability. By critically analyzing the building blocks of a project and the categories of project budgets, students will strengthen their skills in managing participatory projects, budgeting, financial planning, and financial reporting.
The module culminates in a practical exercise in which students design a project log-frame, demonstrating their understanding of the financial management cycle and its application in participatory projects.The main goals of the module are:
- Explain the principles of project funding and finance in the context of participatory projects.
- Discuss various sources of project funding, including grants, loans, and community contributions.
- Familiarize students with the financial management cycle, from budgeting to financial reporting.
- Equip learners with fundamental skills and techniques for managing project budgets within participatory projects.
The course can be supported by MS Teams tools and digital platforms for participatory planning.
Keywords:
Participatory Projects; Project Management; Financial Management Cycle; Budgeting; Participatory Budgets; Transparency; Accountability
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Greek
Italian
Bulgarian
Polish
OPT-G7: Public participation in Environmental Impact Assessment
The objective of the course is to propose a set of guidelines for the analysis and assessment of environmental impacts associated with plans, programs and projects, within the context of considerable complexity, characterized by the presence of multiple disciplines. The objective of the teaching is to ensure that students are aware of the issues related to the environmental aspects of intervention projects at each stage of their life cycle. A variety of dedicated plans and sector tools exist, which are regulatory in nature (such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)). Furthermore, complex evaluation procedures are in place to avoid risks and reduce impacts on the environment and landscape. These activities require the input of diverse specialized knowledge and the involvement of multiple disciplines, as well as the confrontation with the issues and interests articulated by local stakeholders through a transdisciplinary and laboratory approach.
The course provides an understanding of the process and methods of assessing environmental impacts and the crucial importance of participation in this context.
It examines the integration of environmental impact assessment with participatory processes, emphasizing the significance of actively engaging the stakeholders in decisions that have an impact on the environment and collective well-being. By undertaking an examination of the principles, methodologies and regulations associated with Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), the course equips students with the analytical tools necessary to comprehend the ways in which public participation can enhance the sustainability of projects.
Keywords:
Decision Making; Digital Tools; Environmental Assessment; Impact Evaluation; Multicriteria Analysis; Public Participation; Stakeholder Engagement
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Greek
Italian
Bulgarian
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