99601 - EU Project Design Methods

Learning outcomes

The laboratory allows the student to acquire, also through practical examples, skills and notions on methods and practices for defining a European project and the tools that compose it. These include: analysis of the feasibility, sustainability of the intervention, analysis of the financing, management models of the project and its action in terms of communication.

Course contents

-   The course aims to provide students with a methodological background and practical tools for planning and will provide guidance on the management of funded projects, particularly from European funds.

The first part of the course will introduce the European Commission's most important, directly managed programs, including, but not limited to, programs on interregional cooperation, the CERV (Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values) program, Erasmus Plus, and programs for European urban cooperation (Urbact and EUI). The content of the programs, objectives and fundable marcro-themes, the structure of the calls, different types of budgets and some calls will be explained.

The second part of the course will introduce tools, methodologies and procedures for the design, preparation and management of European and transnational local development projects. Students will thus become familiar with the main tools for defining and submitting a project proposal to be implemented with financial support from the European Union.

During the course, students will prepare, individually and/or in small groups, the outline of a European project to be submitted for funding.

At the end of the course, students will know

 - the main design methodologies,
 - the types of European programs,
 - the processes of preparing, managing and implementing a European project.
 - the tools for building a euro partnership

Readings/Bibliography

European programs
http://urbact.eu/

https://www.urban-initiative.eu/

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home

Institutional websites and European platforms

https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/participant-register

https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2023/747110/EPRS_STU(2023)747110_IT.pdf

Other useful bibliography will be added.

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work, case presentations, exercises and simulations. Online platforms and technical documentation useful in achieving the course objectives will be used. Therefore, it is recommended that students bring their own computers or appropriate tools for browsing the Internet and filling out forms to class.

Assessment methods

Production and presentation of an advanced draft of a project proposal from a European fund, or, alternatively, a paper (deliverable) on a topic to be agreed upon.

Oral verification of achievement of learning objectives. During the lectures, bibliographical indications and technical documentation useful for the preparation of the project and the final exam will be provided.

The final exam will be divided into two parts:

- The first part will focus on the presentation of a project/deliverable made in groups by the students and will require the preparation of 10-15 slides. An actual proposal presentation form will also be completed, in the parts indicated by the lecturer. Active participation in lectures and group work will be assessed at this stage (weight 40%).

- The second part of the exam will be individual and based on knowledge of the topics explained during the course and the technical documentation provided during the lectures. A paper on a topic agreed with the lecturer will be produced by each student (weight 60%).

Attendance at the lab is mandatory. The attendance requirement is considered satisfied by attending at least 80% of the lectures. Therefore, out of a total of 20 hours of lab, a maximum of 4 hours of absence is allowed, which is equivalent to 2 lectures.

Teaching tools

PC, ICT Platforms, E-Learning Platforms, Electronic Management Systems.

Office hours

See the website of Manuela Marsano