Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To develop an advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, applications and limitations of the main methodologies, analytical techniques and data sources in local and regional development. Advances in the understanding of local and regional development, and changes in the policy environment, have prompted innovations in research methods. In particular, a diversity of approaches is now in demand, incorporating qualitative and quantitative methods. Recently, there have also been important advances in the availability of relevant datasets, prompted by the concerns with evidence-based policy. This module seeks to provide a summary of the main methods for analysing key elements of development trends and prospects at the local, regional and urban scales. As well as covering the practical skills themselves, attention is given to the principles underlying each method and also their limitations in practice.

The module is evaluated through two 1,000 word reports.

Outline Of Syllabus

Session Plan:

Introduction
This session provides an outline of the module, its aims, learning outcomes and form of assessment. The session also introduces students to some regional data and to material they will need for the session on Evaluation later in the module.

Quantitative Approaches
The purpose of this session is to illustrate some basic quantitative techniques relevant to the analysis of cities’ and regions’ development trends and prospects.

Qualitative Approaches
This session explores a range of qualitative research methods in the context of considering financial inclusion and exclusion in the west end of Newcastle.

Mixed methods
This session examines the utilisation of mixed methods as part of research designs, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques.

Policy Development
The local and regional dimension of national policymaking is increasingly recognised by central government and local and regional institutions. This session explores the debate and examines the recent research and practice in incorporating regional perspectives into policy development.

Evaluation
The aim of this session is to provide a practical introduction to evaluation. The evaluation session for this module is based upon a group preparation and presentation of an ‘Evaluation Methodology’ for the assessment of a project or programme that a member of the group is familiar with or which they would have access to information on.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

•       An advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, applications and limitations of the main methodologies, analytical techniques and data sources in local and regional development.

Intended Skill Outcomes

•       The ability critically to assess the value and limitations of analytical methods, techniques and data sources in local and regional development, policy and practice.
•       The ability to solve problems.
•       An understanding of the principles, applications and limitations of the main analytical techniques in local and regional development and an advanced understanding of some of these techniques.
•       The ability critically to assess the quality of the analytical data generated by these techniques.
•       The ability to synthesise and present local and regional development data and to interpret and analyse its significance.
•       The ability critically to select and access relevant and appropriate information and data resources within the Robinson library and on-line.
•       Practical experience of the main analytical techniques in local and regional development and advanced experience of some of these techniques.
•       The ability to communicate by means of well prepared, clear and confident (oral) presentations and concise, well-written documents.
•       The ability to utilise library, information and IT resources skilfully and appropriately
•       The ability to plan, organise and prioritise work activities and manage time effectively.
•       The ability to work independently and in groups with initiative and solve problems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

•       Introduction of the principles, applications and limitations of the main analytical methodologies, techniques and data sources in local and regional development.
•       Interactive, student-focused seminar modes, including individual and group projects.
•       Practicals to gain experience in developing methodologies and techniques, using analytical frameworks and accessing and interpreting data sources in local and regional development.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

•       The individual project assesses the student’s understanding and ability to develop and utilise methodology, analysis and statistics in local and regional development through two 1000 word projects, one qualitative and one quantitative.

General Notes

N/A