Disaster Risk Management UNISA Programme

UNISA Centre for Public Administration and Management (Florida campus) in association with Disaster Management Solutions (DMS)

Capacity Building Programme in Disaster Risk Management

The Programme in Disaster Risk Management consists of 8 modules/certificate courses that address relevant issues for the Southern African region. The content of the Programme is based on relevant disaster and risk management issues, as well as the Disaster Management Act and National Disaster Management Framework.

The principal aim of this course is to train individuals in public and private institutions in various issues relating to Disaster Risk Management. Special emphasis is placed on the specific disaster profile of each region/province and issues relating to vulnerability and risk assessment, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, rehabilitation, reconstruction and legislation.

Approach	The phased approach to the Programme in Disaster Risk Management is specifically aimed at capacity building as it provides individuals with the ability to successfully implement the Disaster Management Act and the National Disaster Management Framework's requirements while they, at the same time, study towards an accredited qualification with Unisa. This Programme is jointly offered by Unisa and DMS.  The total number of Unit Standards amounts to 96 credits. The programme is usually offered as a correspondence course over a period of 18 months, however, due to the various requests from people in the disaster risk management community, it is now offered as a classroom based course in a phased approach.  The course is conducted through short facilitation sessions of 3 days per month with about a month in-between for assignments and implementation.  The success of this unique approach lies in the fact that the learners must implement what they learn through practical assignments that they do in their workplace.  The assignments are evaluated during the next classroom period with input from the whole group and adjustments can be made with immediate effect.
Target Audience	Disaster Risk and Business Continuity Planners / Managers, Project Managers, System Administrators, IT Managers, Consultants and anyone with an interest in Disaster Risk Management and/or Business Continuity Management.
Learning Outcomes	On completion, the participants should be able to:  -       Follow disaster risk management guidelines in order to implement pre- and post-           disaster activities;  -       Eliminate and reduce risk;  -       Identify post-disaster measures;  -       Implement disaster risk mitigation and prevention projects / programmes;  -       Implement disaster recovery projects / programmes;  -       Evaluate and test disaster risk management programmes; and   -       Manage disaster risk management programmes.
Content	Module 1:  Introduction to Disasters, Disaster Risk Management and Business Continuity Management -        Overview of Disaster Risk Management -        Disasters and Development -        History, Policy and Legislation Module 2:  Creation of Institutional / Organisational Capacity -        Policy Direction, Planning and Funding -        Disaster Risk Management Responsibilities -        Joint Consultation and Cooperation -        Disaster Management Centres -        Communication and Information Management Module 3:  Risk Assessment and Monitoring -        Risk Assessment, Profile and Monitoring -        Dissemination of Information and Quality Control Module 4:  Risk Reduction Planning and Implementation -        Strategic Planning (Prevention and Mitigation) -        Defining and Prioritising Projects -        Scoping and Development of Risk Reduction Plans -        Integration of Risk Reduction Initiatives Into IDPs -        Implementing Projects Module 5:  Operational Response and Recovery -        Preparedness and Early Warning Systems -        Disaster Assessment, Declaration Process and Mobilisation -        Integrated Incident Management / Response Plans and Regulations -        Recovery Plans and Relief Measures -        Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Module 6:  Education, Training, Research and Awareness -        Education, Training and Awareness Programmes -        Media Relationship Management -        Establishing Mechanisms for Research, Information Provision and an Advisory Service Module 7:  Monitoring, evaluation and improvement -        Performance Audits, Self-Assessments and Peer Reviews -        Monitoring of Incidents and Significant Events -        Exercises and Drills -        Annual Reporting and Report Writing -        Maintenance and Improvement Module 8:  Managing Disaster Risk Management Programmes -        Introduction to Project and Programme Management, including Financial Principles,          Teamwork, Communication and Conflict Management
Minimum Requirements	1.       Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4 2.       A Background in Disaster Risk Management is strongly advised 3.       Computer literacy is advised but not compulsory
Learning Methodologies	A variety of methods such as lectures, group discussions, case studies and individual exercises will be used.
Assessment	A process of self-assessment and continuous assessment / observation from the facilitator will be used to assess whether the learner reached the outcomes.  After each module, an assignment will be done and assessed in class at the beginning of the next module.  An UNISA certificate will be issued to successful learners.
Programme Schedule	The course is conducted over a period of 4 months for 3 days per month. Call us for details of scheduled courses in your area.
Confirming your Registration	Please book your place on the course by e-mail or fax whereby you will receive a registration form from DMS. Your place is only confirmed on receipt of a completed registration form. Tax invoices will be supplied. Should you require any additional information you are welcome to contact our office (Tel/fax:               (+27 12) 664-3192         (+27 12) 664-3192 / Email: info@dms-online.co.za).