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 understanding of how diversification enterprises on farms and estates are planned and the key issues that affect their successful implementation.   

Aims:

The aims of the module are: 

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

  
  


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

  
  


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

  
  

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

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

  
  


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  identify and appraise the diversification opportunities for particular sites, through the application of analytical frameworks; 

  
  


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  explain issues of policy, planning, law and valuation as affecting diversification; 

  
  

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

  
  


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  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.

Outline content:

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  The role of diversification in rural business development; 

  
  


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

  
  


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

  
  

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

  
  


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  Planning context to rural diversification; 

  
  


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  Business development: monitoring, performance. 

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will comprise taught lecture sessions and site visits.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Two hour written examination 

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for the module is 40% 

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: 12 April 2019