“Civil Society Organisation Management and Development” academic module

9 February 2026

The objective of the “Civil Society: Organization, Management, and Development” course is to provide students with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge regarding the history of civil society, the operational significance of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), organizational management, and their impact within the context of social development. The course introduces students to the operational and programmatic models adopted by CSOs and the opportunities for their effective management.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students will possess:

A. Professional Knowledge and Understanding

  • Define civil society and its various conceptual frameworks.

  • Recognize and describe the evolving role of CSOs in diverse international sectors.

  • List international agreements, regulations, and national laws pertaining to CSOs.

  • Present the core roles of civil society.

  • Describe the accountability tools and mechanisms of CSOs.

  • Comprehend the specific dynamics of the relationship between civil society and the state.

  • Understand the interaction between civil society and democracy.

  • Identify management models and international trends within CSOs.

  • Recognize and present mission-based management principles and non-profit sector management models.

  • Describe the programmatic management framework of CSOs.

B. Practical Professional Skills

  • Differentiate between the various functions of CSOs.

  • Analyze the role of CSOs in the development and implementation of public policy.

  • Interpret current theoretical and conceptual approaches to the structure, functions, and status of CSOs, as well as their model-specific features and key characteristics.

  • Distinguish between management types based on contemporary leadership models.

  • Evaluate the impact of civil society on social relations.

  • Interpret issues of social responsibility from the perspective of the civil society sector.

  • Compare and differentiate the influence of various actors within the context of social development.

  • Develop recommendations for effective cooperation models among the three sectors (state, business, and civil society).

C. Universal / Transferable Skills

  • Prepare and deliver professional presentations and reports.

  • Participate in group discussions and provide reasoned justifications for positions.

  • Write analytical works and essays.

  • Analyze literature and facts to draw logical conclusions.

  • Creatively apply and further develop acquired knowledge.

 

Course Structure

The course consists of four main sections:

  1. History and Significance of the formation of civil society.

  2. The Role of Civil Society (core and diversified roles).

  3. The Role and Impact of CSOs in the Republic of Armenia.

  4. Operational and Programmatic Models adopted by Civil Society Organizations.

 

 

 

The “Civil Society” academic education module is prepared with the financial support of the European Union within the framework of the STRIVE project. The content is the sole responsibility of the “NGO Center” Civil Society Development NGO and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. The STRIVE project is implemented by NEF Belgium in cooperation with four partner organizations: “Agate” Rights Defense Center for Women with Disabilities NGO, “BLEJAN” Environmental, Social, Business Support NGO, “WINNET Goris” Development Foundation, and “Dilijan Youth Cooperation Center” NGO.