REMRSAM-Strategic Rural Asset Management

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: a.cropley@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Offering strategic advisory services is a key role for those aspiring to key roles in rural property consultancies. This module will explore both practical and strategic aspects of rural asset management, covering the breadth of property types and the range of different property owners – private, institutional, public and third sector – with differing strategic objectives. It will introduce students to the diverse challenges rural businesses may face, and the strategies that may be used to tackle them. Students will need to use a range of management concepts and tools to come up with creative and innovative solutions to complex problems. The second part of the module will consider the influence of taxation on rural asset management and planning. 

Aims:

The aims of the module are to provide students with the appropriate technical and strategic consultancy skills to advise owners on the strategic management of their assets, and develop the practical day to day policies required to implement those strategies, including risk and investment appraisal. The subject will be considered from the viewpoint of a variety of different stakeholder owners, exploring how particular personal, financial, operational and regulatory influences impact on their estate strategies. The module will introduce students to the use of the concept of the triple bottom line (economic, social, and environmental) in sustainable estate management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

• Evaluate the varying strategic influences on the management of rural assets, including the key role of owners’ objectives 


• Apply analytical techniques and problem solving skills to formulate strategic plans for rural estates and other rural businesses and demonstrate how to implement them 


• Investigate the capital tax regime and the role of tax planning in asset protection and succession 


• Examine the client relationship and the legal, regulatory and professional constraints within which rural asset managers and consultants operate 

Additional outcomes:

• Enhance communication skills through case studies and presentations in seminar sessions 


• Develop essay/report writing skills through coursework 


• Enhance the ability to research and assimilate technical information 

Outline content:

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  The ownership of rural assets 

  
  


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  Land ownership and management objectives 

  
  


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  Business structures and land occupation arrangements 

  
  


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  Analysis of financial performance and risk 

  
  


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  Strategic asset management tools, techniques and procedures 

  
  


• Implementation of strategy in a changing business environment 


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  Taxation issues – particularly Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax 

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Delivery will be through lectures, including visiting speakers from across the sector. Tutorials/seminars and an in-class case study will be used to provide a focus for applying knowledge and skills gained in the module to real-life examples. The coursework will consolidate the taught material and will involve preparing a strategic plan for a rural estate. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Two hour written examination (50%)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Written report (50%) – word limit 2,500 words 

Submission dates: Week 9/10 spring term 

Formative assessment methods:

In-class case studies will provide students with the opportunity to apply their learning to real-life scenarios, and to receive informal feedback as to their understanding of core principles and concepts. 

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:

The pass mark for this module is 50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variations by the examination board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 27 August 2020