Methodologies
Developing A Curriculum (DACUM)DACUM
A participatory job-analysis method that derives the duties and tasks of an occupation from a panel of expert practitioners as the basis for occupational standards and curricula.
DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) is a structured, facilitated workshop in which experienced workers in an occupation collectively chart the duties, tasks, knowledge, skills and attitudes that define competent performance. The resulting occupational profile — the DACUM chart — provides an empirically grounded reference for writing occupational standards, designing competency-based curricula, and building assessment instruments.
Because the analysis is led by practitioners rather than desk research, DACUM keeps training anchored to current workplace reality. It is widely used in TVET reform to ensure that qualifications reflect what the labour market actually requires.
Related concepts
Where indeson applied it
Reforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Iraq
IraqComprehensive TVET system reform and modernization program
DACUM job analysis informed the occupational standards in the Iraq TVET reform.
Liberia: Skill Development for Employment, Job Readiness Program
LiberiaComprehensive skills development and job readiness program for Liberia
DACUM was applied to define job-readiness skills in Liberia.
Skills and Technical Education Programme (STEP) - Phase 2
MalawiComprehensive TVET system improvement and teacher training program
DACUM supported curriculum development under Malawi STEP 2.
Design and Implement High-Quality Basic Skills Vocational Training
British Virgin IslandsPost-hurricane workforce recovery through strategic vocational skills development in construction and maritime sectors
DACUM was used in the British Virgin Islands vocational training assignment.
Capacity Building for the National Training Council Permanent Office (VELA, Lao PDR)
Lao PDRStrengthening Lao PDR's national standards body: DACUM-based occupational standards, a modernised NOS manual and a community of practice
DACUM workshops underpinned occupational standards development for NTC-PO.