Introductory description

ES2D9-15 Technology International Development

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction: The nature of International Development, Human Development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Basic concepts : Economics; Sustainability; Livelihoods; Development; Productivity
The relationship between International Development, Disaster Management and Technology Management.
Current technologies: A round-up of technologies used for production of goods and services in low-income countries and in disaster situations.
Technology choice: The use of economic and other criteria to choose and design technologies appropriate to their use and environment with focus on disaster recovery.
Technical growth: The means of technical change in low-income countries post disaster, the nature of innovation and its risks and rewards, change agents and the nature of growth changes.
Examples/ illustrations: Examples and case studies will be taken from the areas of: water, sanitation, energy, food, transport, building, waste and information technology.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the relationship between international development, human development, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), disasters and conflict in a global context.
• Evaluate current technologies used for provision of water, sanitation, energy, food, transport, building, waste and information technology.
• Appropriately apply and critically analyse different technological and social choices based on economic, social and environmental criteria.
• Review their own and others strengths and challenges whilst working in a team under pressure and demonstrate an active ability to support and encourage members of their team to perform to their optimum ability.
• Show understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate.

Indicative reading list

“The Bottom Billion”, Collier, P., Oxford, 2008.
"Enabling Innovation - A Practical Guide to Understanding and Fostering Technological Change", Douthwaite, B., 2002
"Economic Development", Todaro, M.P., Smith S.C., 2006

Subject specific skills

1. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
2. Knowledge and understanding of risk issues, including health & safety, environmental and commercial risk, risk assessment and risk management techniques and an ability to evaluate commercial risk
3. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
2. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
3. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
4. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
5. Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
6. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.