Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

-

Co Requisite Comment

-

Aims

1. To understand the economic and environmental appraisal of transport activities.
2. To introduce the WebTAG (Transport Analysis Guidance) linked to the sustainability principles of economy, environment and society.
3. To provide an understanding of the economic principles required for the economic assessment of transport activities as outlined in the WebTAG Economic Objective.
4. To provide an understanding of the assessment of Environment Objective in WebTAG.
5. To introduce the concept of multi-criteria assessment for comparison and ranking of alternatives.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Introduction to sustainability; economy, environment and social objectives.
2. Purpose of appraisal
3. Introduction to the WebTAG (Transport Analysis Guidance) process, WebTAG Refresh
4. Economic Principles in Transport Appraisal
5. Principles of Discounted Cash Flow, Present Value and Net Present value
6. Techniques of cost-benefit analysis
7. Valuation of intangibles
8. Socio-economic benefit-cost analysis
9. Economic Objectives
      Transport Economic Efficiency
      Valuation of time, vehicle operating cost, accidents
      COBA Software
      TUBA (Transport User Benefit Assessment) Software
10. Environment Objectives
      Local air quality; problems and solutions; assessment for WebTAG
      Greenhouse gases; problems and solutions; assessment for WebTAG (Transport Analysis Guidance)
      Noise; problems and solutions; assessment for WebTAG
      Landscape/Townscape/Biodiversity/Water and other objectives in NATA and their assessment
11.Multi-criteria assessment (MCA) and comparison and ranking of alternatives

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

To achieve familiarity with the techniques and methods of economic and environmental appraisal, and their application.
To understand WebTAG process at practioners level.
The understand the sustainability approach of appraisal of transport schemes
To have an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of the methods for assessment of transport activity.

Intended Skill Outcomes

To understand and demonstrate the application of transport appraisal techniques.
To gain first hand experience of using techniques to estimate noise assessment of transport schemes.
To critically assess the application of methods of transport appraisal.
To gain understanding of applying economic appraisal to real world case studies.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Learning outcomes will be achieved by introducing knowledge and theory in lectures and by exercising the relevant skills in the coursework. Lectures are the primary means of delivering the curriculum. Students are given a programme of required reading to supplement the lectures, and are also encouraged to read round the subject as widely as possible. A programme of self study work is provided which explores how the techniques and methods of economic and environmental appraisal are applied, through problem-based exercises. This is designed to achieve familiarity with techniques and methods by allowing students to tackle practical problems and to encourage discussion of issues relating to strengths and weaknesses of the methods. The self study programme helps students to develop problem-solving, numeracy and written communication skills.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will assess the knowledge, numeracy and problem solving skills.
The courswork will alternate between economic or environmental assessment of transport schemes. This coursework will assess students in their understanding of the techniques to appraise transport schemes using a range of tools recommended by WebTAG (Transport Analysis Guidance). Students will also have to critically analyse the results and produce a professional style report.

General Notes

N/A