2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
TRAN2030 Project Appraisal
10 creditsClass Size: 76
Module manager: John Nellthorp
Email: J.Nellthorp@its.leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2008/09
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
How do public authorities, or private businesses, approach investment decisions? How can governments make decisions about even the most sensitive issues - like where to deposit nuclear waste, or whether or not to build a new generation of nuclear power stations - in a transparent, accountable way?By completing this module, you will gain an understanding of the concepts and theory which underlie investment appraisal and decision making; practical methods used in the public and private sector; and applications not only to transport investment but in other policy areas such as energy policy and regional development.There will be four small group class sessions to discuss case studies, and 11 lectures. This is a 10 credit semester two module, the assessment will be by coursework (33%) and a 1.5 hour exam (67%). A large proportion of the materials are available online, to avoid time spent waiting for library books.Project appraisal is relevant to a wide range of students. The techniques learned (including cost-benefit and multi-criteria techniques) are transferable across many fields of business and public life. One reason for the good feedback on this module is that no prior knowledge is assumed - we have recently taken students from geography, environment, management, economics, languages, aviation and other programmes, and those from any background can do well in this module.Some prior study of microeconomics and quantative methods is advised.For any further information please contact John Nellthorp (J.Nellthorp@its.leeds.ac.uk).Objectives
After completing this module, students should understand the concepts which underlie the appraisal of investment projects and the advantages and drawbacks of each of the main approaches used (namely cost benefit analysis, multi criteria analysis and framework approaches). They should also be familiar with case studies which demonstrate the use of these techniques in practice.Skills outcomes
- Working knowledge of analysis methods and their application to public policy problems
- Discounted cash flow techniques widely used in business and public sector
- Effective essay writing
- Communication skills in a seminar group environment
- Working knowledge of analysis methods and their application to public policy problems
- Discounted cash flow techniques widely used in business and public sector
- Effective essay writing
- Communication skills in a seminar group environment
Syllabus
Project appraisal as a tool of policy analysis
The framework and elements of project appraisal
Objectives and criteria
Commercial and social appraisal
Social cost-benefit analysis
Valuing benefits - time, life environment
Capital budgeting - discounting for time, risk and uncertainty
Applications of commercial appraisal, cost-benefit and cost effectiveness analysis, and other appraisal frameworks
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Example Class | 5 | 1.00 | 5.00 |
Revision Class | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
Lecture | 15 | 1.00 | 15.00 |
Private study hours | 79.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 21.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100.00 |
Private study
39 hours - Coursework/preparation20 hours - Background reading
20 hours - Revision
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Performance in coursework exercisesMethods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
In-course Assessment | Coursework | 33.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 33.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 67.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 67.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 27/08/2009
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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