RE3CSR-Case Studies in Rural Land Management

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring
Module Convenor: Mr R Gibbard
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: RE3ALV and RE3EFB RE3RPI RE3RPL
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: r.gibbard@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The module aims to encourage students to develop the application of theoretical knowledge to practical situations, as a means of developing skills in identifying problems, determining feasible solutions to them and presenting the solution in an appropriate format. Students will be encouraged to combine knowledge from a range of subjects or disciplines.

Assessable learning outcomes:
With the involvement of outside professionals, this module allows students to simulate real-life situations and to be judged against professional criteria. Students will be able to identify and solve practical problems, and to present solutions in a clear and professional manner.

Additional outcomes:
Students are encouraged to handle a number of problems simultaneously and to prioritise their workload and meet strict deadlines.
This module also includes a Careers Management Skills (CMS) effective Applications assignment completed in the Summer Term of Part 2
Having completed the CMS assignment, students should also be able to:
• identify positive and negative features of sample application forms
• interpret job description information to anticipate potential interview questions
• analyse and discuss body language and interview performance identifying positive and negative features.

Outline content:
The module involves four discrete case studies, each intended to replicate a typical (rural) professional scenario.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
The module consists of four discrete studies. Each involves a pre-briefing, a half-day site visit to a local venue, the preparation of an appropriate solution within a set time-limit, and a de-briefing session. A different member of staff is responsible for the management of each study and students are encouraged to discuss with them the preparation of their solution and their approach to the problem. The module recognises that, whilst the cases are individual and discrete, the learning experience increases throughout the module, and through detailed group and individual feedback at each stage. Students are expected to demonstrate that they are assimilating the necessary skills and techniques as the module progresses.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures
Tutorials/seminars	6	6
Practicals
Other contact (eg study visits)	10	10
Total hours	16	16
Number of essays or assignments	2	2
Other (eg major seminar paper)

Assessment:
Coursework
Students will be required to submit four ‘reports’ of appropriate length and style. Each will be subject to scrutiny by a second internal examiner and by the external examiner. Each submission carries 23.75%.
The CMS Effective Applications assignment carries 5%
Relative percentage of coursework : 100%
Examinations
N/A
Requirements for a pass
40%
Reassessment arrangements
At the discretion of the Examination Board.