Learning Outcomes:
On completion of the module the student will:
1)Understand the need for accurate and comprehensive information in order to aid the decision-making process.
2) Be familiar with key information sources, their uses and their limitations
3) Understand the logic and operation of key decision-making techniques.
4) Be able to interpret and criticise key decision-making techniques.
Indicative Module Content:
Unit 1: Leadership and Project Management
Leadership:
Leadership involves the ability to promote specific goals and to garner the support and aid necessary for achieving them. To be effective, planners have to exercise leadership, enable and empower their teams to use their capacities, and stay in control of the planning and development process. This element of the module will review different leadership and management principles and styles.
Project Management:
Within the planning system, it has been identified that sometimes planners lack knowledge of project management. This part of the module assists in addressing that deficit. The key principles of project management are introduced, focusing on problem identification and analysis, generation of solutions, project appraisal techniques, implementation, management and leadership skills. Project management principles are applied to a number of planning projects, with an in-depth examination of all planning aspects from inception to completion, including studying plans and drawings.
Unit 2: Population and Housing Analysis
- Understanding population analysis
- Forecasting population trends
- Housing Needs and Demand Analysis
- The NPF, population and housing
Unit 3: Environmental Assessment
- Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR)
- Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)
- Appropriate Assessment (AA)