The Hands-On Project

The hands-on project is the heart of this degree programme. Students will address problems related to their own organisations and, during the course of completing the MPP degree, develop and implement solutions to these problems in their own daily work environments. Students will thereby acquire the concrete and practical skills needed to deal with complex decision-making processes. For the organisation in which the student works, this innovative method of problem solving and implementation will entail a real added value.

Possible projects include:

• Conception and implementation of a CSR model for a company
• Conception of a ‘Social Business’ in India
• Introduction of ‘Knowledge Management Skills’ in an organisation
• Guidance of a political campaign
• Development of a certification system against child labour in textile firms
• Conception and implementation of an environmental project in Kenya
• Fundraising for an NGO

Criteria

Sustainability
Puts institutional standards for implementation into place and provides the basis for future innovations.

Comprehensive
Calls for the creative use of existing resources as well as inspires a search for new ones

Practical
Has direct practical relevance and can be completed in the given program timeframe (2 years)

Goal Oriented
Deals with a problem that reflects institutional make-up and has the potential for bringing about long-term successes

Interactive
Works with more than one actor and depends on both national and international knowledge and cooperation

Responsible
Is socially relevant and helps to support ‘good governance’

Understandable
Goals and objectives are relevant and clear to the public

Challenging
Deals with new problems and questions that have yet not been satisfactorily remedied/solved