Module DXX-3702:
Management Plan

Module Facts

Run by School of Natural Sciences

30.000 Credits or 15.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 1

Organiser: Mr Ian Harris

Overall aims and purpose

The management plan allows students to apply knowledge gained in other modules to solve problems in a 'real world' land use context. Based around a study site (a river catchment / commercial forest blocks) the module provides training in the gathering of relevant information and the utilisation of appropriate spatial data manipulation, evaluative and modelling techniques to prepare a management plan / strategy document to a professional standard.

Course content

The module is based on an assessment of an existing site to answer a specific question or series of questions related to the area's land use. Students will be provided with background information and will have opportunities to visit the locations. Using this information plus other relevant physical, biological, technical, economic and spatial data, a management plan / strategy document will be prepared. Students will be provided with a detailed brief that defines the scope of the planning assignment and the outcomes. Tutorial support will be provided to address technical issues as they arise.

Assessment Criteria

threshold

Grade D- to D+ The document is logically structured and includes some analysis, evaluation and discussion. The technical parts of the document are described coherently but without detailed analysis or interpretation. There are some errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion is limited in scope and depth. The standard of presentation is acceptable, with limited use of maps derived from the datasets provided.

good

Grade C- to B+ The document is logically structured and includes appropriate analyses, evaluation and discussion. The technical and evaluative parts of the Plan are described coherently with evidence of synthesis, detailed analyses and interpretation. There are very few errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion includes critical interpretation and application. The standard of presentation is good, including appropriate mapping derived from the datasets provided.

excellent

Grade A- to A** The document is logically structured and includes appropriate analyses, evaluation and discussion. The analyses are detailed with evidence of original thought. The technical and evaluative parts of the Plan are described coherently with evidence of extensive synthesis and in-depth analyses and interpretation. There are no errors in the assumptions or calculations. The discussion includes critical interpretation and application including comments that reflect understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of the methodologies employed. The standard of presentation is high, including high quality maps derived from the datasets provided.

Learning outcomes

  1. Be aware of legal constraints and appropriate land law.

  2. Have completed a management plan / strategy document for the study site incorporating appropriate technical and financial data where required, using relevant evaluative, modelling and visualisation techniques (e.g. GIS).

  3. Have gathered relevant biophysical, technical and economic/socio-economic and spatial data to allow an appraisal of the site.

  4. Be familiar with EU / Welsh Government policy and legislation, the policies of statutory bodies plus other relevant organisations regarding the component land uses / designations / management agreements found within the case-study site.

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
COURSEWORK Management Plan 80.00
COURSEWORK Site Description 20.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Workshop

Computer lab drop-in sessions - 6 x 2 hours to deal with GIS issues / questions on the assignments.

 12
External visit

Site visit 1 x 6 hours (may be split) Visit(s) to respective case study sites. Additional visits may be required by particular degree groups.

 6
Practical classes and workshops

Tutorials - 1 x 2 hours in Computer Lab Introduction to the spatial datsets for the respective case study sites using ArcGIS software

 2
Seminar

Seminar - 2 x 1 hour

 2
Lecture

Introduction to the study site(s) and aims and objectives of the degree-specific planning assessment.

 2
Private study 276

Transferable skills

  • Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
  • Computer Literacy - Proficiency in using a varied range of computer software
  • Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team
  • Management - Able to utilise, coordinate and control resources (human, physical and/or financial)

Subject specific skills

  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret primary and/or secondary data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Awareness of the concepts of spatial and temporal scale in understanding processes and relationships.
  • Apply appropriate techniques for presenting spatial and/or temporal trends in data.
  • Preparation of effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of life processes through the study of organisms.
  • Understand the provisional nature of information and appreciate competing and alternative explanations.
  • Recognize the moral, ethical and social issues relating to the subject.
  • Collect and record data generated by a diverse range of methods.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the importance of risk assessment and relevant legislation

Resources

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: