Towards a SDG Compliant Framework for the Open Learning Modules: Experiences From Thailand and Philippines

Introduction

The Basic Concept of PPD&M

Open Learning Systems (OLS) may be more potent when plugged onto the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Open Learning Systems can harness the benefits of proper planning, sustainable development as well as evaluative development, when integrated with Project, Planning, Development and Management (PPD&M). Information Systems and Communications Technology has attained disruptive proportions (Peppard, J. and Ward, J. 2016). Challenges arising out of climate change, environmental degradation and stresses on societies, have reset the focus on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (Graves, 2016). The online content-set that served in the past, need 're-engineering' for the future. The PPD&M linked OLS framework (Figure 1) initiates with appropriate, sector specific public policy domain. PPD&M is a basic link that decifers public policy to sector specific operations. For instance private – public partnerships, skills-assessment for infrastructure, agriculture based vocations, among others.

Figure 1.

Project planning development and management (PPD&M) linked open learning systems (OLS) framework

Rationale

Project Planning Development and Management (PPD&M) is core to the design of Open Learning modules, as it enables the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) through applied research and capacity building (Figure 2). Policy, processes, academe plays a seminal role wherein, budgeting, planning and evaluation evolves into an integrated Paradigm 4.0 (Trairatanasirichai, December, 2016).

Figure 2.

Project Planning Development and Management (PPD&M) enhances Sustainable Development (SD);the linking framework

Figure 2 graphically articulates the linking framework Education drives Value-based economy that evokes innovation through Smart Farmer & Smart Startup man-power skill upgrade initiatives, that strengthens the foundation of a country’s on self-reliance, as well as inculcates spririt of sharing. Overarching requirement for (i) human resource development, (ii) research for innovations, argues in favor of the concept of Universities 4.0. This chapter, probes into Thailand and Philippines, when the emerging priority is ushing the concept of 4.0. 4.0 is a radically new paradigm that would strategically propel (a) planning (b) networking (for instance, in Thailand and Philippines, with potential to drive it across ASEAN, link with South Asia and even generate South – South interdepence. Open Learning Systems inherently learn and share. This generic characteristiccan be utilized and applied in each local – regional - global context. This broadbasing the scope is the key rationale for this paper that would emanate collaboration and coordination. As the figure 2 depicts, Open Learning Modules (OLMs) would add capacity for budgeting, planning, evaluation through the Project Planning Development and Management dynamic content. The dynamiccharacteristic of PPD&M is crucial to successful implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that needs continuous self-correcting evaluation procedures.

Need

Need for re-look at the evaluation system is highlighted with an interesting proposal to engage PPD&M Alumni for future growth of this key offering. Online options, English proficiency, professional peer review of final dissertation, communications for sustainability for inculcating sense of camaraderie among the PPD&M cohort are recommended.