Centre for Security Sector Management

Welcome to the Centre for Security Sector Management (CSSM)

The Centre for Security Sector Management (CSSM) exists as a unit at Cranfield University and was formally created in March 2006. The Centre is staffed by a group of international experts engaged in a broad range of research areas that look at wider security issues and the implications for policy development and capacity building. This engages the expertise and support from other units within the University including the Defence Management Group, the Security Studies Institute, and the Resilience Centre.

CSSM’s Mission is to promote the development and effective management of security sectors for enhanced peace and security. Its core staff – made up of both academics and practitioners – also comprises regional programme managers in South-East Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. This ensures that the Centre is at the forefront of all relevant security sector management knowledge and activities, all of which becomes profiled on our web site, which can be found at http://www.ssronline.org.

Security, in its widest sense, remains a primary concern in countries and regions undergoing post-conflict reconstruction, political transition, and poverty reduction strategies. As such, demands on the security sector and priorities for local governments and the donor community are never the same. The Centre recognizes this diverse landscape and has developed its strategic objectives accordingly. These include:

Applied Research
Training and Education
Lessons Learned Analysis
Knowledge Management
Consultancy services

Cranfield University launched the MSc in Security Sector Management in September 2007. It is the first course of its kind in the world. The ongoing development of the course is monitored by the MSc’s International Advisory Board, which is chaired by former Secretary of State for International Development, the Rt Honourable Clare Short. The course is delivered according to both part-time and full-time timetables. The classroom experience is greatly enhanced by an exciting line-up of guest speakers and intellectually demanding case study and simulation exercises. The modules supporting the MSc include the following:

The Security Sector Environment
Strategic Planning for Security and Development
Managing Security Sector Resources
(Organisations and People)
The Economics of Security
Security Sector Project and Programme
Management
Managing Risk
Information Management and the Role of
Intelligence
Governance and Oversight
Managing Change and Leadership in
Transitional Environments
Building Operational Capacity
Performance Management

We also offer short SSM courses that draw on the same material as the MSc, for delegates requiring a more compressed, practical understanding of the subject. These courses are delivered at Cranfield University’s Shrivenham campus and also exported as part of our international outreach initiative. Our delivery strategy includes case studies, simulation exercises and personal development opportunities.

Applied Research

We have an active research programme that seeks to move forward the intellectual frontiers of the security sector management debate. Our work in this area is supported by our regional research coordinators and networks, and delivers valuable outputs to policy makers, practitioners and across civil society.

Knowledge Management

We are at the leading edge in deriving new methodologies and tools to help with lesson learning processes – from lesson capture through analysis to application. We are testing our ideas against other sectors and recognise the importance of the political, economic, social and security context against which new lessons continue to be identified, and how these lessons become learned.

There is much work to be done building and strengthening security sectors, especially in developing countries. We need to support institution-building, capacity-building and resource mobilisation programmes. This requires experience and expertise. The Centre for Security Sector Management maintains relationships with a number of leading consultants who have up to date knowledge in the security sector. Our consultants are all provided with strong institutional support during project assignments.