RE3RD-Rural Diversification

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: a.cropley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The focus of this module is to provide the necessary skills and understandingÌýof how diversification enterprisesÌýon farms and estatesÌýare plannedÌýand the key issues that affect theirÌýsuccessful implementation.ÌýÌýÌý

Aims:

The aims of the module are:Ìý

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

  
  


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  To examine the issues to be considered before a diversification project is undertaken; andÌý

  
  


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

  
  

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:Ìý

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  discuss the key factors that lead a land/estate manager to consider diversification;Ìý

  
  


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  identify and appraise the diversification opportunities forÌýparticular sites, through the application of analytical frameworks;Ìý

  
  


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  explain issues of policy, planning, law and valuationÌýas affecting diversification;Ìý

  
  

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  apply the essential principles of marketing to new and existing diversified businesses;Ìý

  
  


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  advise on appropriate diversification options in response to a client's brief.Ìý

  
  

Additional outcomes:

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

Outline content:

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  The role of diversification in rural business development;Ìý

  
  


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

  
  


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

  
  

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  Finance: sources, loans, grants Legal/ownership: business structure, tenure, taxation;Ìý

  
  


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  Planning context to rural diversification;Ìý

  
  


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  Business development: monitoring, performance.Ìý

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will comprise taught lecture sessions andÌýsite visits.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Two hour written examinationÌý

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Ìý

Ìý

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for the module is 40%Ìý

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.Ìý

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 12 April 2019