Malaysia is currently experiencing rapid socio-economic transformation, particularly focusing its development towards achieving the industrialized nation status by 2020. In this context, the development of human capital with the right skills and disciplines are needed in order to realize this vision. Hence, this programme adopts a multi disciplinary approach and scope which exposes the students to the studies of economy, anthropology, sociology and the physical environment. All these dimensions will be used as a basis to prepare a framework, which will be used as a guide in analyzing current issues in development. This framework can also acts as a guideline in planning and managing a project.

The Development Planning and Management Programme is designed to equip the students with the latest technical skills and knowledge in the field of planning and management. The significant aspects in the curriculum include exposing the students to the use of computers in planning and management activities. This includes introducing the students to the geographic information system application and using other computer applications in planning, implementing and evaluating a project.

The students in the programme will be equipped, not only with the knowledge in the field of planning and social sciences, but will also acquire soft skills during the course of their studies. These soft skills are acquired through a number of generic and elective courses that the students need to take on top of their core courses. Therefore, at the end of their study, the students from this programme are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding and knowledge in the field of development planning.
• Demonstrate technical competency including using technology applications in planning.
• Knowledgeable and able to solve problem effectively, as well as being aware of the current social issues.
• Exhibit high professionalism, ethical and moral values in sharing and disseminating knowledge.
• Play a pro-active role in the community, involve in the discussions of current issues in the society, and able to work as a team.
• Think in a rational, analytical, creative and critical manner, and able to conduct research, analyze and interpret the research findings.
• Apply the skills obtained in this course in the context of everyday lives.
• Demonstrate the skills in planning, managing and evaluating a project, as well as exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.