Environmental Management for Business MSc

• Dr Paul Burgess

Human population growth and increased resource use per capita is placing unsustainable demands on the global ecosystem. This module explores sustainability using three approaches.  The “Ecosystem Service” approach provides a framework for society to address key environmental issues such as food production, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and water use.  The “Circular Economy” approach refers to the development of “restorative” industrial systems that are grounded on the lessons of non-linear, feedback-rich ecosystems.  The third approach is to explore the nexus between renewable energy, food, and other ecosystem services using per capita energy and food consumption. This module introduces and critiques the three approaches and examines their application to resolve real-world problems and create commercial opportunities.

• Moving from an “Empty World” to a “Full World”
• The Ecosystem Service Approach (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and UK National Ecosystem Assessment)
• Ecosystem processes and succession; the role of energy; feedback systems; biodiversity and system restoration
• Using an ecosystem approach: quantifying trade-offs and synergies; improving water and nutrient management, reducing greenhouse gases emissions, enhancing stability, resistance and resilience
• Introduction to the circular economy: opportunities for businesses; opportunities for consumers.
• How design, manufacturing practice and management can contribute to a circular economy
• Case study: trade-offs, synergies, and opportunities to enhance well-being and ecosystem service provision in terms of energy, food, feed and wood for a case study area.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Critique the “ecosystem services”, “circular economy”, and “per capita energy use” approaches
• Critique associated terms such as “human well-being”, “sustainability”, and “biodiversity”.
• Explain the role of energy and feed-back systems in natural systems
• Explain how an ecosystem service approach can help society to identify and make decisions regarding the use of ecological resources, with a focus on biodiversity, greenhouse gases, nutrient loss, and water use.
• Explain how we can enhance the stability, resistance and resilience of natural systems.
• Explain how the “circular economy” provides commercial opportunities
• Explain how industrial activities such as design and manufacturing can promote a circular economy
• Use a per capita approach to explore the synergies between food, feed, wood, and renewable energy production to guide decision making and identify opportunities in the context of a case-study.

• Dr Nazmiye Ozkan

In the search for methods that combine economic analysis and environmental assessments to achieve the goal of sustainable development, the measurement of environmental costs and benefits is an increasingly important element of the appraisal of policies and projects.  This module explores economic concepts and techniques that can be used for the valuation of the environment, how these support decisions regarding the optimal allocation of resources and the design of policy interventions.

• Techniques for non-market valuation: cost and income based approaches, demand estimation methods - expressed and revealed preference, choice modelling, examples of applications
• Multi-criteria analysis
• Environmental accounting for business
• Environmental accounting at sector and national levels
• Case study examples of application.

• Explain how economics can help determining environmental value
• Assess strengths and weaknesses of different environmental valuation methods and techniques
• Explain how environmental valuation methods can be incorporated into decision making techniques, especially extended cost benefit analysis, risk assessment and multi criteria analysis
• Critically appraise the contribution of economic valuation and economic mechanisms to environmental policy
• Explain the purpose and methods of environmental accounting at sector and national level.

• Dr Paul Burgess

Financial (or investment) appraisal is a decision making process used by institutions and individuals to compare the efficiency of competing projects.  Economic appraisal (or social cost-benefit analysis) is the process of identifying, measuring, and comparing the societal costs of an investment project or programme.  Projects can be judged in terms of their relative monetised net benefits (total benefits minus total costs), including environmental impacts or enhancement; the project with the largest benefit: cost ratio is considered to deliver the most social benefits from the options under consideration.  This module explains the principles of financial and economic appraisal and students will acquire the knowledge and skills in the application of such appraisals.

• Welfare economics and pareto-efficiency; compensation principle and the role of equity.
• Market failures and the role of cost benefit analysis
• Principles and practice of financial and economic appraisal
• Case study application for an afforestation project in a spreadsheet environment
• Efficient provision of environmental goods and services.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Explain how economic efficiency and equity can be assessed and used in financial and economic appraisal
• Critically evaluate different financial and economic appraisal metrics such as benefit: cost ratio, net present value, equivalent annual value, and internal rate of return.
• Critically evaluate the choice of an appropriate discount rate
• Undertake a financial and an economic appraisal in a spreadsheet environment
• Use techniques such as sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation.

• Dr Simon Jude

A critical application of environmental risk management is in the development and appraisal of Policy in Central Government. Policies are developed to manage environmental risks and selection of policy options must be informed by risk based tools and techniques. Doing so demands a comprehension of the technical, organisational and human elements of governing environmental risks and developing environmental policy. This module draws these themes together by introducing core concepts and then illustrating these concepts with case studies and finally application via a group exercise.  Core lectures are supported by multiple case studies, a workshop and module assignment. 

• Risk governance
• Problem definition
• Environmental risk analysis and management
• Implementation within organisations
• Environmental policy development and appraisal
• Policy instruments. 

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Define the technical, organisational and human features of effective environmental risk governance.
• Explain the environmental policy cycle of implementation and the basics of policy development and appraisal.
• Critically analyse different types of policy instruments, including regulation, economic, voluntary and other measures.
• Identify the appropriate policy instruments to use in different contexts.
• Compare and contrast environmental risk management techniques, selecting tools appropriate to the character of the risk in question.
• Identify the requirements of risk management maturity and the pre-requisites of good corporate risk governance.

• Professor Philip Longhurst

While technological change is seen as the root cause of many environmental problems, it is simultaneously viewed as the means of solving such problems. This module explores technological change as part of positive sum strategies put forward by ecological modernisers. Theories of technological change are reviewed such as evolutionary, path dependent and long wave and used to formulate technology policy to achieve transition to a low carbon economy. These are then set in practical contexts such as innovation for a low carbon economy and low-carbon living.   

Ecological Modernisation, definition, key aspects, objectives and methodology
Development of associated policy frameworks, market failure, the role of governments, policies and mechanisms to address this
Innovation: Technology Development, transfer, adoption and diffusion
Innovation and sustainability, utility which process offers in this context, drivers and barriers
Integrated Sustainable Technology Assessment in context
Clusters, technology road-maps and the development of sustainable technologies: Renewable energy

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Explain the limitations of selected theories of technological change, e.g. linear, induced, path-dependent, and evolutionary.
• Provide a critical summary of the key trade-offs that occur in achieving technological change and economic development alongside environmental protection.
• Discuss and present a summary of examples of technological change developed to achieve transition to a low carbon economy.
• Give examples and explain technology options and policy initiatives to stimulate transitions, e.g. to a low carbon economy
• Propose and concisely justify a proposal for a low-carbon initiative. 

• Dr David Parsons

The aim of this module to develop an appreciation of the importance of individual and group attitudes towards the perception of risk and how this may influence views, conduct and actions in the face of a range of risks including the development of communication methods to disseminate information about risk(s) to a range of audiences and how to determine its effectiveness. 

• What is meant by the perception of risk and how it varies with context
• Attitudes towards risk based on psychological, cultural and other dimensions
• The role of various societal groups (the media, NGOs, etc) in risk issues
• Models of the amplification and attenuation of risk
• Understanding the “fright factors” in risk perception and the development of trust
• Horizon scanning and scenario building tools for communicating future risk to individuals and organisations
• Communicating risk messages to individuals, groups and society at large and errors in communication

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Describe the “non-science” influences in risk assessment and management using sociological and psychological theories relating to risk perception, attitudes and communication;
• Identify and describe drivers that may influence individual or group perceptions and attitudes towards risk in specific scenarios;
• Participate in the discourse on the roles in society of different stakeholders (e.g. the media, NGOs, academics, government) with respect to risk assessment issues and to be able to describe to others why they have the beliefs they hold
• Demonstrate skills in listening to concerns from different individuals/groups towards risks and the ability to enter into dialogue with such groups
• Communicate clearly to a range of audiences the impacts of future risks drawing upon the concepts of horizon scanning and using foresight tools, demonstrating the underlying principles and tensions within such techniques
• Develop effective means of communication to suit specific or general situations and how to demonstrate its effectiveness, and critique methods based on theories and evidence.

• Dr Monica Rivas Casado

To acquire knowledge and skills in quantitative methods of economic analysis to support decision making in natural resources and environmental management.

• Introduction to quantitative methods for economic analysis applied to natural resource and environmental management: describing, explaining and predicting.
• Data management procedures.
• Modelling and testing relationships: parametric methods, regression analysis and multivariate techniques.
• Spatial interpretation of results using Geographical Information Systems.
• Implementation of the learned theory to real cases studies on travel cost and hedonic pricing.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of and apply the methods of data management for econometric analysis
• Critically evaluate the contribution and suitability of econometric methods for natural resource and environmental management, including the advantages and limitations of alternative methods
• Use major types of econometric techniques to support decision making in natural resource and environmental management, using appropriate software.  

The goods and services that we consume impose impacts on the environment. These include globally influential ones, like greenhouse gases and local ones, like water pollution. We need to quantify these to compare production or consumption methods and understand what our collective and individual consumption demands impose on the earth’s environment. We must also apply mature, critical thinking to environmental claims.

A life cycle perspective forms the basis of much of the module. 

Frameworks and approaches:

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Carbon and Water Footprints, the Environmental Impact Assessment, LCA, Social aspects of LCA

Application areas:

Manufacturing, businesses, food production and consumption, energy systems, waste management, decision makers (e.g. procurement), fishing and farming. 

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Apply the principles of environmental Life Cycle Assessment and Water foot printing to production systems.
• Apply life cycle approaches in assessing environmental sustainability to make justifiable claims about environmental sustainability.
• Develop the ability to analyse a production system with regards to environmental, social and economic sustainability.
• Provide insight into real life environmental decision making.

• Dr Anil Graves

Natural resources underpin economic activity.  This module explores the functional role of the environment in the economy and examines how natural resources can be classified.  It uses economic theory to explore the relationship between the stocks of natural capital and the flows of services that emanate from them.  Economic models are used to analyse current resource management challenges, distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable resources.  The importance of non-market benefits of natural capital is examined and approaches to management of these benefits are critically examined.  The module is delivered mainly through case studies focussing on major types of natural resources.

In exploring public governance and policy in relation to environmental agendas, this module will combine formal lectures and case studies with interactive practical exercises, and will cover:

• The role of the environment in the economy
• Natural capital and ecosystems services
• Definition and classification of natural resources
• Drivers of resource demand, environmental impacts and resource use
• Economic models of resource use growth and sustainable development
• Theoretical frameworks for economically optimal use of non-renewable and renewable resources
• Payments for ecosystem services
• Economic dimensions of the management of natural resources: land and soils, energy, minerals, water, biodiversity, marine fisheries, forestry
• Implications for natural resource and environmental policy

To acquire knowledge and skills in economic analysis applied to the management of natural resources, consistent with the principles of sustainable development. On successful completion of this study the student should be able to:

• Explain the importance and functional role that natural capital plays in the economy
• Explain the theoretical underpinning and key features of natural resource use models and the implications for sustainable development
• Explain the difference between stocks and flows as applied to natural resources and related ecosystems and explain the role of economic theory in resource allocation decisions
• Explain and apply methods of economic analysis to support practical decision making for the management of natural resources and ecosystem services, consistent with the concept of sustainable development.

• Dr Kenisha Garnett

Strategic foresight research refers to a range of methods that can be used to identify, analyse and communicate insights about the future. Standard methods include horizon scanning, trend research, and scenario planning. Outputs include emerging issues, trends, visions, scenarios, and wild cards. The methods employed and insights produced are used by both private and public sector organisations to inform a wide range of policy, risk, strategy and innovation processes. Foresight research is a truly inter-disciplinary ‘science’, covering and combining developments in society, technology, economy, ecology, politics, legislation and values.

Crucially, foresight research is as much about analysing the past and present, as it is about looking to the future. Once we understand how a system developed and works today, we can explore how it may evolve and look in the future. Strategic foresight techniques consider ranges of possible, plausible futures so that planning can be put in place to adapt to and mitigate against various conditions. It is designed to add resilience, adaptability and flexibility to organisations in an increasingly complex and fast changing world.

This module will explore how:

• Horizon scanning can act as a method of gathering new insights that may point us towards affirming or discrediting existing trends and developments, as well as identifying new and emerging trends and developments that are on the margins of our current thinking, but which will impact on the future.
• Other foresight methodologies (e.g. scenario planning, visioning, back-casting) can be used to help us to use the trends identified from horizon scanning to identify how the future might develop.

In exploring strategic foresight research in relation to its utility by environmental organisations, this module will combine formal lectures with interactive practical exercises that will cover:

• An overview of the reasons why organisations engage in foresight research.
• An overview of the aims and objectives of foresight research
• An overview of the different types of foresight research methods including, but not confined to horizon scanning, trend research, scenario building, visioning and back-casting
• An overview of where different types of foresight research methods are best applied depending on the issue to be explored, the time available for research and the output required.
• A practical training exercise in horizon scanning (what is does; why it’s used and how it’s done)
• A practical training exercise in scenario building (what are scenarios, what they can be used for and how they are developed)
• A group project on developing a vision, back-casting and windtunnelling to achieve the desired outputs of the vision (describing a preferred future (the vision) and setting out the steps to make it happen).

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Explain why organisations engage in foresight research;
• Describe what foresight research aims to achieve - and what it cannot do;
• Evaluate the utility and application of different foresight research methodologies;
• Examine the role of foresight research evidence in the environmental context;
• Identify and apply the tools of foresight research in the environmental context; and
• Apply foresight research methods to support a convincing case and use foresight research evidence effectively.

• Dr Gill Drew

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the practical issues associated with implementing Environmental Management Systems (EMS) into organisations.  This requires a thorough understanding of the concept of an EMS, as well as the most commonly used frameworks, namely the ISO 14000 series of standards.  In addition, knowledge of the potential barriers and pitfalls during implementation and the practical measures that can be implemented is provided.

• Introduction to the International Standards associated with EMS
• Environmental legislation and voluntary standards
• Developing the business case for EMS
• Barriers to implementation of EMS
• Waste technology and prevention measures
• Energy technology and monitoring
• Water use and technology.

On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:

• Understand and critique the ISO standards.
• Differentiate between voluntary requirements and legal or regulatory requirements of EMS
• Evaluate the likely environmental aspects of an organisation, in terms of energy, waste, water and pollution, and the appropriate control mechanisms.
• Design and implement an audit strategy to check compliance of an EMS with the ISO 14001 standard.