REMRD-Rural Diversification

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Mrs Angela Cropley

Email: a.cropley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The focus of this module is to provide the necessary skills and understanding to be able to take strategic decisions over future business direction at the estate, farm and enterprise level, and to recognise opportunities for diversifying the commercial base of rural businesses.

Aims:

The aims of the module are:

1. To introduce students to the range of diversification opportunities possible on farms and rural estates;


2. To examine the issues to be considered before a diversification project is undertaken; and


3. To develop an appreciation of the key factors in successful management of diversified ventures.

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module the student should be able to:

1. Discuss the key factors that lead a land/estate manager to consider diversification;


2. Identify and appraise the diversification opportunities for particular sites, through the application of analytical frameworks;


3. Explain issues of policy, planning, law and valuation, as affecting diversification;


4. Evaluate different funding possibilities for new enterprises;


5. Apply the essential principles of marketing to new and existing diversified businesses; and


6. Advise on appropriate diversification options in response to a client's brief.

Additional outcomes:

The module will provide opportunities for students to develop their analytical skills in the field.

Outline content:

New business development: farm pressures, SWOT analysis, examples.

Different rural diversification enterprises (e.g. renewable energy, farm shops, visitor attractions)

Business plans: strategic planning, marketing/market research, resource evaluation, budgets and costs

Finance: sources, loans, grants, servicing, valuation aspects

Legal/ownership: business structure, tenure, taxation

Planning: permissions, plans, highways, enforcement

Business development: monitoring, performance.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will comprise taught lecture sessions, site visits to local estates to appraise suitable sites and to assess diversified activities.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		16
External visits		8
Guided independent study		76
Total hours by term		100.00
Total hours for module	100.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One two hour written examination (100%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:
50%

Reassessment arrangements:
Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module􀀒s original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 31 July 2018