The Institute is a multi-disciplinary group within the University of Manchester. Its objective is to promote poverty-reducing social and economic development, particularly within lower-income countries and for disadvantaged groups, by enhancing the capabilities of individuals and organisations through education, training, consultancy, research and policy analysis. Training courses include: PhD/MPhil, MSc/MA (Human Resources, Social/Rural/Environmental Development, Development and Public Management, Information Systems), Diploma Programmes in Development, Human Resources and Management Services, short professional development courses, and customised training on a consultancy basis.
Maintains a library (separate from the John Rylands University Library (see separate entry) of some 15,000 items and 200 journal titles. WWW site has information on IDPM courses, research, consultancy, staff, facilities, plus online publications. Online publication subject areas include:
- Development Informatics
- Finance and Development
- Human Resources in Development
- Information Systems for Public Sector Management
- Peace Building and Complex Political Emergencies
- Public Policy and Management
- Rural Resources/Rural Livelihoods.