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Diploma Programs

Diploma Programs are a new trend towards developing professional proficiency in a number of diverse fields. The process of diploma development has been aided through the co-operation of both local and international organizations and consultants.

The Continuing Education Department of Birzeit University is currently working with international organizations such as the Finnish Broadcasting System, The Maastricht School of Management, Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), The Near East Cultural and Educational Fund of Canada (NECEF) and the Foundation for International Training (FIT). In addition to the diploma programs currently being developed, CED has also begun to prepare for a possible diploma program in Journalism with the University of Missouri.

The following diploma programs are currently being offered and developed by the Continuing Education Department.

Capacity Building Program for Palestinian NGOs (CBP)

This program is a three year development initiative undertaken by a partnership of the Foundation for International Training (a Canadian NGO), and three Palestinian organizations: CED, Bisan Center for Research and Development and The Women’s Affairs Committee (Shu’un Al’Mara’) - Gaza. The Program’s overall goal is to empower NGOs as viable development agents of change in Palestinian Society. The primary means to achieve this goal is capacity building of NGOs, through training, consultancy and institution strengthening inputs. It is hoped that with trained staff and strong organization and management, the Palestinian NGO sector will be in a position to play a key role in nurturing a democratic society, just as it has played a vital role in sustaining a society under occupation.

In order to address the needs of Palestinian NGOs, the CBP adopted the philosophy of undertaking curriculum development and training delivery based on a learner-centered, problem-solving, gender-sensitive approach including institutional support consultancy services. So far, training and support have been offered in the fields of general management, program management, development concepts and issues, gender, organizational behavior, planning and strategy, public relations and communication, management information systems, training methodologies, developing field worker tools and other topics.

Program output during the last six months

1. Professional Diploma in NGO Management: the diploma program is designed for people in management positions in NGOs. The diploma expects to graduate at least 25 managers over the coming year. The delivery of the Diploma will start in January 1997
   
   
2. The delivery of five training courses that reflect the local context and the experience and needs of the trainees and their agencies. Courses in this field are:
   a. Organizational Management
   b. Financial management
   c. General Management
   d. Curriculum Development
   e. Training of Trainers

CED’s role will be to offer a Professional Diploma in NGO Management. The diploma course will be designed for people in management positions in NGOs as well as those who see themselves as future managers. The Diploma Program is currently underway at the department, with an initial intake of 25 participants from the various NGOs. Upon completion of the diploma program, participants will receive accreditation from Birzeit University.

For more information on the Capacity Building Program and the organizations involved in making it possible, check out the CBP website.

Maastricht School of Management Scholarship Programme

This is an entrepreneurship development programme for small industries in the West Bank and Gaza. It is a joint program between the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands and BZU-CED. The scholarship program is currently running in its third year, with 18 Palestinian participants, all chosen from a variety of organizations from the West Bank and Gaza, presently at the Maastricht School of Management. Co-operation involves the participation of trainers from CED delivering part of the program in the Netherlands and for this year’s program, three trainers will participate in the delivery of the course.

Upgrading Mental Health Skills

This two year diploma program has been developed on the basis of an initial 72 hour course offered by CED in co-operation with The Near East Cultural and Educational Foundation (NECEF) of Canada. The diploma program will upgrade the skills of counselors in basic counseling and communication in order to facilitate work with families and children.

The diploma program consists of five modules offered over a two year period including the following topics: Normal Development of Children in Both Physical and Psychological Spheres; Psycho- pathological Problems of Children; In-Take and Referral; Family Dynamics and Family Intervention; Communication Skills; Screening and Counseling Skills.

The diploma program will be offered over a two year period in the West Bank and Gaza. CED is currently seeking funds to offer the training course as a diploma program at the department.

Professional Diploma in Marketing

From 1997 onwards, CED will be offering a Professional Diploma in Marketing. The program will offer marketing skills to managers, directors and staff of private sector businesses and associations. The diploma will be granted to participants who successfully complete the six modules, all of which are highly interactive and practical. Modules will include:

1. Marketing for Small Businesses

The course will utilize practical local examples to address the marketing issues confronted by businesses in Palestine. Topics will include how to obtain, collect and use market information; trade fairs and how to use them effectively; the difference between marketing and sales; focusing on the customer in design and marketing initiatives; how to determine competitive edge and comparative advantage; and how to develop marketing strategies which work in spite of constraints.

Market Research Techniques

This course will focus on three areas:

1) The purpose of market research, covering the topics of market-driven economics, consumer-centered business, the dynamic nature of markets, the role of market research in small business management;

2)Secondary market research, to include identifying and locating sources of data, interpreting data, and the strengths and weaknesses of secondary sources;

3)Primary market research, starting with defining objectives, designing instruments, targeting consumers-suppliers-distributors, survey techniques, representative sampling and anecdotal data, documentation of findings and interpretation of data.

International Marketing

The content of this course will include a review of marketing fundamentals, international market research, product adaptation, entry strategies, distributions decisions, pricing, financing, exporting mechanisms, and international promotion. The course will be highly interactive and practical. Participants will be expected to work extensively on their own situations, although other exercises and case studies will be provided.

Product Costing and Pricing Strategies

This course will address problems faced by Palestinian manufacturers in product development, costing and pricing, including establishing prices for domestic and international markets.

Promotion and Distribution Strategies

This course offers techniques and strategies for local businesses in promotion and distribution, with particular focus on the needs and popular trends of the community.

Consumer Behavior and Sales Techniques

A course covering all aspects of consumer behavior with emphasis on Palestinian trends and successful sales techniques.