Multi-stakeholder Strategies: Analysis for Winning Coalitions

Description

In this course you will use the following software: Gambit, R and Gephi.

*IWA Members can avail a 10% discount on the ConnectPlus platform* (Please note that the IWA member discount of 10% is only valid for the full programme and not individual courses).

Course Syllabus:

Topic 1: Introduction

• Introduction to the course and participants.
• Opportunity to refresh basic knowledge of stakeholder mapping techniques (optional).

Topic 2: Framework

Conceptual framework for strategic actor interactions

• Key concepts to explain strategic actor behaviour
• Overview of actor models to sharpen your understanding of your actor environment
• Reflection on the usefulness of actor models for the design of effective strategies

Topics 3 and 4: Models

Participants select two modelling approaches, out of a total of four available modules:

• Social network analysis (structure of networks and managing relations)
• Comparative cognitive mapping (perceptions and building winning arguments.
• Non-cooperative game theory (conflict analysis and shaping the space of probable outcomes)
• Cooperative game theory (coalition analysis and sharing rewards of cooperation)

Each module will cover the same elements:

• When and why to use this modelling approach
• Basic analytical concepts used in the model
• Stepwise approach to applying the model
• Application of the model to a real-world problem, and implications for action

Course participants are required to cover at least two models and can cover more if they wish. The real-world problem used in Topics 3 and 4 will be the same for each model. It concerns the issue of nature-based flood defenses in the Netherlands, using footage and interviews with real actors, involved in the “BE SAFE” research project, a collaboration between TU Delft, NIOZ, University of Twente, Deltares, HKV, Rijkwaterstaat, Staatsbosbeheer, Ecoshape, Boskalis, Van Oord, World Wildlife Fund, Natuurmonumenten, It Fryske Gea and HZ University of Applied Sciences.

Topic 5: Modelling your own case

Course participants can work individually on a case of their own. They can also work in small groups if they prefer and are willing to share insights into the environments from one of the participants. They will apply one of the previous models to analyse their case and formulate a strategy.

• Identification of case topic and associated modelling approach. Concise work plan (using a preformatted sheet) and feedback
• Model construction and analysis
• Thinking through scenarios and strategies
• Feedback from course teachers

Course instructors will provide feedback and advice on the case topic and work plan early in the weeks dedicated to this topic, on constructed models and initial analysis in the middle of the period for this topic, and the implications for action towards the end of the pre-final course week. Some flexibility is possible in the execution of this project, which can also be finalised early in the final week of the course if participants so desire.

Next steps – non-mandatory debriefing, reflection and final discussion between participants and instructors.