Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Planning and development of resources and social services, programs and projects

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
LUSDK_267
Branch of Science
Social Politics and Organisation of Social Work; Sociology and social work
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Social Welfare and Social Work
LQF
Level 7
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Rehabilitation
Contacts

Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, socdk@rsu.lv, +371 67061575

About Study Course

Objective

To provide knowledge about planning and developing social services based on evidence-based macro practice in social work.

Preliminary Knowledge

Must know the Latvian social security system, as well as know the organization of social assistance and social services in the municipality.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Understand and describe the logic of planning and developing resources, social services, programs and projects in social work; explain the principles of constructing and justifying a social problem, the importance of data and evidence in selecting and developing solutions, the importance of stakeholder engagement, as well as the interrelationship of the design, purpose, principles and values ​​of a social solution with the planning of organizational resources and actions.

Skills

1.Obtain data on the problem to be solved and, based on them, define the social problem to be solved, identify resources, identify and consciously use various data sources in argumentation, recognize and use the goal of social service as a tool for planning organizational action.

Competences

1.Develop social service design. Develop organizational structure and evidence-based action plan practices in the development and administration of resources, social services, programs and projects.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
10 points

Test tasks for students are designed as a written test on the understanding of theoretical material. Practical tasks are regularly assigned, which are based on the previously reviewed theoretical material and are oriented towards the preparation of a description of the development plan for a social solution (project, service, program) (problem to be solved, stakeholders and resources involved, planning stages and components, social service goals, tasks, activities, evaluation). Independent work for students is related to the topics of the lecture course, for example, analysis of the problem to be solved, collection of data and evidence on the needs of the target group, development of a data collection plan, development of a short-term action plan, etc.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
10 points

The assessment takes into account lecture attendance, the quality of practical work and homework, integrating the theoretical material given in the lecture, as well as the content of the developed independent work and its correspondence to the topics of the lecture course.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The logic of planning and developing resources and macro-level solutions in the social field: exploring the problem situation and analyzing the causes.
Description

The initial phase of planning and developing macro-level solutions involves understanding the relationship between macro and micro-level practices, identifying and defining the problem situation to be addressed, identifying the key challenges in the social environment (in the organization's operations, processes, and resource provision), and involving relevant professionals (primarily performers) and other individuals with significant experience or competence in the problem. This is an introductory topic on the framework of the entire lecture course.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The logic of planning and developing resources and macro-level solutions in the social field: exploring the problem situation and analyzing the causes.
Description

The initial phase of planning and developing macro-level solutions involves understanding the relationship between macro and micro-level practices, identifying and defining the problem situation to be addressed, identifying the key challenges in the social environment (in the organization's operations, processes, and resource provision), and involving relevant professionals (primarily performers) and other individuals with significant experience or competence in the problem. This is an introductory topic on the framework of the entire lecture course.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructing the social problem to be solved, defining the solution focus and creating an initial solution vision.
Description

The social problem to be addressed is conceptualized as an analytically constructed problem formulation based on an identified contradiction and supported by relevant data and evidence. Within the topic, the choice of solution focus is analyzed, distinguishing a preventive approach focused on the causes of the problem from a reactive approach focused on mitigating the consequences, and the initial direction and vision of the solution are formulated without prematurely determining a specific final solution.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructing the social problem to be solved, defining the solution focus and creating an initial solution vision.
Description

The social problem to be addressed is conceptualized as an analytically constructed problem formulation based on an identified contradiction and supported by relevant data and evidence. Within the topic, the choice of solution focus is analyzed, distinguishing a preventive approach focused on the causes of the problem from a reactive approach focused on mitigating the consequences, and the initial direction and vision of the solution are formulated without prematurely determining a specific final solution.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stakeholders and their involvement in the planning and development of social services, programmes and projects.
Description

Identifying and engaging stakeholders is an essential part of planning and developing social services, programmes and projects. The topic analyses the interests of stakeholders, the possibilities of their mutual interaction and the formation of common interests, as well as the importance of a personal and relationship-based approach in building cooperation and promoting engagement in the context of the defined issue to be addressed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stakeholders and their involvement in the planning and development of social services, programmes and projects.
Description

Identifying and engaging stakeholders is an essential part of planning and developing social services, programmes and projects. The topic analyses the interests of stakeholders, the possibilities of their mutual interaction and the formation of common interests, as well as the importance of a personal and relationship-based approach in building cooperation and promoting engagement in the context of the defined issue to be addressed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data and evidence in social work: data sources, types of evidence and making your own evidence.
Description

The topic covers different data sources and types of evidence in social work, including quantitative and qualitative, formal and experiential evidence. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of building evidence from data at hand, using database information, case analysis, observations and single or critical case analysis, as well as to the evaluation of previous experience and existing solutions to justify the need for a new solution.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data and evidence in social work: data sources, types of evidence and making your own evidence.
Description

The topic covers different data sources and types of evidence in social work, including quantitative and qualitative, formal and experiential evidence. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of building evidence from data at hand, using database information, case analysis, observations and single or critical case analysis, as well as to the evaluation of previous experience and existing solutions to justify the need for a new solution.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The process of developing a social solution and a social service: solution design, boundaries and evaluability.
Description

The topic examines the process of developing a social solution and social service, defining the design of the solution, its substantive and organizational boundaries, and its connection to the results to be achieved and the possibilities for evaluating them. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of theoretical insights and research-based conclusions into concrete elements of the solution and intervention activities, ensuring their justification, mutual logic, and evaluability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The process of developing a social solution and a social service: solution design, boundaries and evaluability.
Description

The topic examines the process of developing a social solution and social service, defining the design of the solution, its substantive and organizational boundaries, and its connection to the results to be achieved and the possibilities for evaluating them. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of theoretical insights and research-based conclusions into concrete elements of the solution and intervention activities, ensuring their justification, mutual logic, and evaluability.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Purpose, principles and values in professional work: organisational resources and action planning.
Description

The topic analyzes the importance of the professional field, organization, and social service goal, principles, and values in justifying professional activities and management decisions, especially in situations where formal rules do not provide sufficient framework for action or conflict with organizational goals. Special attention is paid to the role of the manager in planning organizational resources and actions, ensuring that professional activities are not limited to formal requirements but are consistently focused on achieving organizational and service goals and implementing professional values in practice.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Purpose, principles and values in professional work: organisational resources and action planning.
Description

The topic analyzes the importance of the professional field, organization, and social service goal, principles, and values in justifying professional activities and management decisions, especially in situations where formal rules do not provide sufficient framework for action or conflict with organizational goals. Special attention is paid to the role of the manager in planning organizational resources and actions, ensuring that professional activities are not limited to formal requirements but are consistently focused on achieving organizational and service goals and implementing professional values in practice.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The logic of planning and developing resources and macro-level solutions in the social field: exploring the problem situation and analyzing the causes.
Description

The initial phase of planning and developing macro-level solutions involves understanding the relationship between macro and micro-level practices, identifying and defining the problem situation to be addressed, identifying the key challenges in the social environment (in the organization's operations, processes, and resource provision), and involving relevant professionals (primarily performers) and other individuals with significant experience or competence in the problem. This is an introductory topic on the framework of the entire lecture course.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The logic of planning and developing resources and macro-level solutions in the social field: exploring the problem situation and analyzing the causes.
Description

The initial phase of planning and developing macro-level solutions involves understanding the relationship between macro and micro-level practices, identifying and defining the problem situation to be addressed, identifying the key challenges in the social environment (in the organization's operations, processes, and resource provision), and involving relevant professionals (primarily performers) and other individuals with significant experience or competence in the problem. This is an introductory topic on the framework of the entire lecture course.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructing the social problem to be solved, defining the solution focus and creating an initial solution vision.
Description

The social problem to be addressed is conceptualized as an analytically constructed problem formulation based on an identified contradiction and supported by relevant data and evidence. Within the topic, the choice of solution focus is analyzed, distinguishing a preventive approach focused on the causes of the problem from a reactive approach focused on mitigating the consequences, and the initial direction and vision of the solution are formulated without prematurely determining a specific final solution.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Constructing the social problem to be solved, defining the solution focus and creating an initial solution vision.
Description

The social problem to be addressed is conceptualized as an analytically constructed problem formulation based on an identified contradiction and supported by relevant data and evidence. Within the topic, the choice of solution focus is analyzed, distinguishing a preventive approach focused on the causes of the problem from a reactive approach focused on mitigating the consequences, and the initial direction and vision of the solution are formulated without prematurely determining a specific final solution.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stakeholders and their involvement in the planning and development of social services, programmes and projects.
Description

Identifying and engaging stakeholders is an essential part of planning and developing social services, programmes and projects. The topic analyses the interests of stakeholders, the possibilities of their mutual interaction and the formation of common interests, as well as the importance of a personal and relationship-based approach in building cooperation and promoting engagement in the context of the defined issue to be addressed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Stakeholders and their involvement in the planning and development of social services, programmes and projects.
Description

Identifying and engaging stakeholders is an essential part of planning and developing social services, programmes and projects. The topic analyses the interests of stakeholders, the possibilities of their mutual interaction and the formation of common interests, as well as the importance of a personal and relationship-based approach in building cooperation and promoting engagement in the context of the defined issue to be addressed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data and evidence in social work: data sources, types of evidence and making your own evidence.
Description

The topic covers different data sources and types of evidence in social work, including quantitative and qualitative, formal and experiential evidence. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of building evidence from data at hand, using database information, case analysis, observations and single or critical case analysis, as well as to the evaluation of previous experience and existing solutions to justify the need for a new solution.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Data and evidence in social work: data sources, types of evidence and making your own evidence.
Description

The topic covers different data sources and types of evidence in social work, including quantitative and qualitative, formal and experiential evidence. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of building evidence from data at hand, using database information, case analysis, observations and single or critical case analysis, as well as to the evaluation of previous experience and existing solutions to justify the need for a new solution.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The process of developing a social solution and a social service: solution design, boundaries and evaluability.
Description

The topic examines the process of developing a social solution and social service, defining the design of the solution, its substantive and organizational boundaries, and its connection to the results to be achieved and the possibilities for evaluating them. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of theoretical insights and research-based conclusions into concrete elements of the solution and intervention activities, ensuring their justification, mutual logic, and evaluability.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

The process of developing a social solution and a social service: solution design, boundaries and evaluability.
Description

The topic examines the process of developing a social solution and social service, defining the design of the solution, its substantive and organizational boundaries, and its connection to the results to be achieved and the possibilities for evaluating them. Particular attention is paid to the transformation of theoretical insights and research-based conclusions into concrete elements of the solution and intervention activities, ensuring their justification, mutual logic, and evaluability.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Purpose, principles and values in professional work: organisational resources and action planning.
Description

The topic analyzes the importance of the professional field, organization, and social service goal, principles, and values in justifying professional activities and management decisions, especially in situations where formal rules do not provide sufficient framework for action or conflict with organizational goals. Special attention is paid to the role of the manager in planning organizational resources and actions, ensuring that professional activities are not limited to formal requirements but are consistently focused on achieving organizational and service goals and implementing professional values in practice.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Purpose, principles and values in professional work: organisational resources and action planning.
Description

The topic analyzes the importance of the professional field, organization, and social service goal, principles, and values in justifying professional activities and management decisions, especially in situations where formal rules do not provide sufficient framework for action or conflict with organizational goals. Special attention is paid to the role of the manager in planning organizational resources and actions, ensuring that professional activities are not limited to formal requirements but are consistently focused on achieving organizational and service goals and implementing professional values in practice.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Bryson, John M.. Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations : A Guide to Strengthening and Sustaining Organizational Achievement, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central. Īpaši: 1.daļas 1.nodaļa Why strateguc planning is more important than ever, un 2.nodaļa The strategy change cycle.

2.

Foundations of Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, edited by Albert R. Roberts, and Kenneth R. Yeager, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2006. ProQuest Ebook Central. . Īpaši 3.nodaļa Evidence based practice

3.

Grinnell, Richard M., et al. Program Evaluation for Social Workers: Foundations of Evidence-Based Programs, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2011. ProQuest Ebook Central

4.

Moors, Mārtiņš. Sociālā darba iespējas sociālo problēmu aktualizēšanā / Sociālais Darbs Latvijā, 1. 2020. 9.-19. lpp.

5.

Penin, Lara. An Introduction to Service Design : Designing the Invisible, Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2018. ProQuest Ebook Central. Īpaši 1.nodaļa Defining services (kas ir pakalpojums?), 4.nodaļa Services for public interest un 5.nodaļa The politics of service design (resursi – darbinieku, vide, organizācija).

6.

Fraser, Mark W., et al. Intervention Research : Developing Social Programs, Oxford University Press, Incorporated, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central

Additional Reading

1.

Jamrozik, Adam. The sociology of social problems: theoretical perspectives and methods of intervention / Adam Jamrozik and Luisa Nocella. Cambridge, U.K., New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. 241 p.

2.

Osis J. Pierādījumi, pieredze, intuīcija - efektīvas sociālā darba prakses instrumenti: [par sociālā darba vadību]. Bibliogr. zemsvītras piezīmēs: 33.-36.lpp. Sociālais Darbs Latvijā, Nr.2 (2019), 33.-36.lpp.

3.

Moors M. Jaunu sociālo pakalpojumu attīstīšana / Sociālais Darbs Latvijā, Nr.1 (2016), 41.-45.lpp.

4.

Williams, Martin J.. Reform As Process : Implementing Change in Public Bureaucracies, Columbia University Press, 2026. ProQuest Ebook Central. Īpaši 2.Theory and evidence on Organizational performance.