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Non-Government Organisations

Module Synopsis

Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) comprise a distinctive "Third Sector" within Australia's political economy. This sector, constituted by over 700,000 organisations, is playing an increasingly important economic and political role in contemporary Australia, not least as a major employer of graduates in the human services. This module provides an introduction to the Third Sector and to the major managerial and governance challenges confronting it in the twenty-first century. Discussion and analysis of the Third Sector will be situated within a framework which attends to the shifting boundaries and responsibilities between Government, Business and Community/Civil Society in contemporary Western societies.

Learning outcomes
  • Clarification of the concept of the Third Sector
  • Enhanced understanding of the history, development and characteristics of the Third Sector in Australia
  • Capacity to identify and analyse issues and dilemmas arising out of the Third Sector's relationship vis-a-vis both government and business
  • Identify and critique third sector practices in relation to governance
  • Enhanced competency in relation to strategic management and performance measurement
  • Enhanced competency in organisational governance

Content areas
  • Introduction to the Third Sector: history, diversity and characteristics
  • Non-Government Organisations as key players within the framework of States, Markets and Civil Society
  • NGO Relations with Business and Government
  • NGO Governance: Boards and Management Committees
  • Leadership in NGOs
  • Measuring Performance in the Third Sector
  • Managing Volunteers
  • Working Creatively and Effectively with Groups and Teams
  • Strategic Planning
  • Fund-raising
  • Managing Change in the Third Sector
  • Review: The challenges of and the challenges to NGOs and the Third Sector in 21st century Australia

Textbook and Readings
The text for this module is Lyons, M. (2001) Third sector: the contribution of nonprofits and cooperative enterprises in Australia. Crows Nest, NSW: Allen and Unwin. Your readings are an integral part of your studies.

Module Duration and Workload:
This module involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery or self-directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 120 hours of self-study per module including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates as 13 hours per week for the module.

Study method:
On Campus, Distance Education and Online Education
The studies, combined with my previous work experience, have led me into a more satisfying role in an industry I know well. My studies have given me the confidence to manage a role where top notch "soft skills" are essential.
Pip Pearson
Graduate Diploma of Counselling