Course Description
In an increasingly interconnected world, many of society’s most complex challenges require coordinated action across sectors, disciplines, governments, and communities. This course introduces learners to the principles and practices of multi-stakeholder problem solving, with a focus on navigating complexity, power dynamics, and competing interests. Through real-world case studies and hands-on activities, students will learn to identify stakeholders, map systems, and apply inclusive communication strategies to foster collaboration and shared understanding.
Emphasizing ethical engagement, participatory methods, and adaptive learning, the course equips learners with practical tools for designing and facilitating collaborative initiatives. Students will develop skills in stakeholder analysis, dialogue facilitation, conflict resolution, and evaluation of multi-actor processes.
Ideal for those working in policy, advocacy, community development, or interdisciplinary settings, the course provides a foundation for leading effective, equitable responses to today’s “wicked problems.”
Course Outline
- Week 1: Understanding Complex Problems and Multi-Stakeholder Contexts
- Week 2: Power, Equity, and Inclusive Communication
- Week 3: Engagement, Negotiation, and Collaborative Decision-Making
- Week 4: Designing and Facilitating Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
- Week 5: Learning, Evaluation, and Adaptation in Complex Initiatives
- Week 6: Project Simulations, Peer Feedback, and Course Integration
What You Will Learn
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Define and analyze multi-stakeholder systems in local, national, or global contexts, identifying the roles, interests, and power dynamics of each actor involved.
- Apply systems thinking to frame complex societal problems that require multi-sectoral collaboration, particularly in relation to information and communication challenges.
- Evaluate stakeholder engagement strategies, including methods for fostering participation, dialogue, trust, and shared understanding across diverse groups.
- Design and facilitate collaborative problem-solving processes, incorporating tools such as stakeholder mapping, participatory decision-making, and conflict resolution.
- Use inclusive communication techniques to navigate power asymmetries and cultural differences in multi-stakeholder environments.
- Critically assess real-world case studies of multi-stakeholder initiatives, identifying success factors, challenges, and lessons learned.
- Develop and present a stakeholder-informed intervention plan, demonstrating the integration of multiple perspectives, evidence-based strategies, and communication best practices.
- Reflect on personal and professional roles in multi-stakeholder environments, including ethical responsibilities, positionality, and approaches to leadership in collaborative contexts.
Notes
The Faculty of Open Learning & Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.Recommended For
This course is ideal for those working in or aspiring to work in policy, advocacy, community development, or interdisciplinary settings.Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Certificate in Information and Communication : Required
