University teaching and potential of geographic information systems in project cycle management cycle in international development for cooperation

This paper presents the first results of a pilot project tackling the nexus among Gis and spatial analysis, international cooperation and higher education. This experience shows that it seems appropriate to use a dialectical approach between theory and practice to develop knowledge, competences and operational skills to be used potentially in all project cycle management phases. The teaching pilot project held at the University of Bologna within the undergraduate curriculum in Development and International Cooperation (Svic) has led to develop a syllabus and a methodological framework for a full laboratory-course allowing students to be professionally ready to apply Gis in practice.