Explaining the Foundations of Development Management in Light of the Paradigmatic Transformation of Development Schools: From Theory to Practice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD student of public administration, Faculty of Management and Accounting, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Prof., Department of Public Administration. Faculty of Management and Accounting, University Allameh Tabataba'i, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/jgdsm.2026.569872.1026
Abstract
Development Management, as an interdisciplinary and applied field, plays a pivotal role in the analysis, planning, and execution of development projects and policies. This research aims to elucidate the theoretical foundations and key components of Development Management, utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and a library-based study. The findings indicate that development is a dynamic, multidimensional, and structural process that extends beyond mere economic growth to encompass cultural, social, political, human, and environmental dimensions. The paradigmatic shift in development schools of thought—from modernization and dependency theories toward institutionalism, sustainable development, human development, and good governance—reflects a transition from universalist models to multidimensional approaches. Development Management acts as an eclectic “toolkit,” integrating various theories and methods to accelerate the development process, empower communities, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen institutions through a systematic cycle encompassing goal setting, strategy formulation, implementation, monitoring, and learning. The success of this process is contingent upon adhering to prerequisites such as good governance, inter-sectoral coordination, decentralization, and effective leadership.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 23 July 2025
  • Accept Date 13 September 2025
  • First Publish Date 13 September 2025
  • Publish Date 23 August 2025