Review of the publication "Fundamentals of design for charitable and social service".
Charitable and social service, as one of the few study programs within the field of social work, offers a complementary and synergizing approach to social and Christian issues. Social science and universal disciplines are taught in the program, which reflect the needs of social reality and practice. Obtaining financial resources through grants and implementing projects is one of the most effective tools for solving social problems in the social and charitable sphere. We believe that it was these reasons that prompted PhDr. Bohuslava Kuzyšina, PhD., to prepare a university teaching text entitled Basics of designing for charitable and social service. The textbook is one of the results of the scientific research project Projecting in social areas and in the Church (VGA 2/2010). The author primarily differentiates the text into three basic areas, but does not use a typical deductive formula. The first chapter begins with the characterization and classification of the fundamental term project. In the beginning of the textbook, we also find a holistic sketch of the typology of projects and phases of the project cycle, which are analyzed in more detail later with a logical intention. In the related explanation, the author explicitly defines the most frequently occurring terms in the field - grant, grant application and grant scheme. The following is an apt treatise on project management, project management and a mutual comparison of these concepts.
While the first chapter is broadly focused, the second is specified and modified based on the characteristics of the social and charitable field. Social programming and social projecting work in the field of social policy, which significantly affects them. A similar connection exists between social engineering and social programming. In the textbook, these relationships are presented in an erudite and comprehensible way, which is a positive not only for students, but also for experts in practice.
Based on the frequency of occurrence in the social and charitable field, the author selected project types and phases of the project cycle, which he then analyzes and describes. Another text currently, on the basis of valid legislation, delineates and defines social structures - admissible applicants for a project within the social and charitable service.
In the following part of the textbook, the author presents and analyzes some components of the so-called Project circle management methodology, which is among the most effective procedures in the creation and implementation of projects. The reader can familiarize himself with the processing techniques of stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, problem diagram, objectives and logical framework matrix. Furthermore, this part of the textbook contains the Gantt diagram and the PERT method, which are used to define the time of individual tasks and the duration of the project.
In addition to the mentioned components, the textbook contains numerous diagrams and tables for visual deepening of the subject matter. Through a survey, the author obtained a number of opinions of experts from practice, which he thematically included in the discussed areas. In this way, he significantly enriched and diversified the teaching text. In addition, behind each sub-chapter there are theoretical and practical questions linked to a specific issue. Especially from the point of view of the students, we consider their inclusion particularly beneficial, as it allows for a better deepening and understanding of the discussed topic.
The textbook was reviewed and commented on by erudite authorities in social and behavioral sciences Prof. PaedDr. Milan Schavel, PhD., Prof. PhDr. Mária Machalová, CSc., and PhDr. Jozef Vorobel, PhD., which last but not least testifies to its quality.
In the aforementioned contexts, we perceive the textbook not only as an excellent study material, but also as a guide for experts in practice. We are of the opinion that the textbook will significantly enrich all those who encounter or will encounter the creation and implementation of projects in their work.
College textbook data: Author: PhDr. Bohuslav Kuzyšin, PhD. Title: Fundamentals of design for charitable and social service Publisher: Diocesan Culture Center Orthodox ELPIS in Gorlice Range: 99 s. ISBN 878-83-63055-02-8
Author: Mgr. Anastasia Momot Department of Christian Anthropology and Social Work Orthodox Theological Faculty of the University of Prešov