module specification

This module introduces students to research methods, relevant research resources and real-world PPP projects and is designed to enable participants to prepare, design and present their own PPP project proposal. This module therefore provides a focal point around which research projects can be instituted to explore the subject of PPP in depth. Module participants will be engaged in working on or in planning actual projects which can be used as a basis for their work on this module. This module will require a reflective approach to learning and continuous professional development.

FS7048 Public-Private Partnerships: Theory and Practice
This module must be studied either concurrently or previously.

• To introduce students to research methodologies and resources suitable for the design and development of a PPP project proposal.
• To identify and locate resources necessary to underpin the research necessary to design and develop a PPP project proposal.
• To enable students to develop a PPP research proposal, plan and execute the project proposal and make appropriate recommendations.
• To assist students in evaluating their learning and embedding personal development in their professional practice in research/project activities.

Research Methodology

• Research methods - Including identifying suitable resources
• Site visits of PPP projects

Procurement

• Step-by-Step PPP procurement - timetabling and preparation for each critical decision point.
• Intermittent review of projects - good practice for maintaining continuity of control over project delivery from contract signature, through the construction and operational phases.
• Selection and management of advisors - options for assembling the necessary procurement team, the criteria for selection of advisors, timing of inputs from advisers, structuring the advisory team and methods of reward and incentives.
• Developing tender documentation - the information, documentation and contractual terms needed to be prepared, developed and tabled at various points during the procurement process.
• Developing appropriate bid evaluation criteria and selection, and subsequent operations monitoring.

Project Methodology

• Developing and appraising projects for PPP procurement - project suitability for PPP. Methods of market sounding. Selection of a PPP approach (concession/DBFO).

Project definition
 

•  The business case, output versus input specification, defining the project scope, requirements and benchmarks, understanding the service model, contracting for outcomes, requirements and benchmarks.
• Value for Money control - the concepts of “Reference Project” and “Value for Money Comparator”; techniques for testing that PPP transactions are affordable and economically advantageous. The benefits of “Gateway” reviews during project development and procurement.
• Work-based activity to develop a PPP project proposal.
• Writing a PPP Business Case (Proposal) - An in depth consideration of all the points that should be addressed in the formal proposal to obtain Ministry/Ministry of Finance sanction to engage on a PPP procurement.
• Reflection on continuous professional development.

The learning and teaching strategy will encompass a combination of face-to-face lectures, library resource visits, PPP site visits and workplace learning supported by remote tutor input. Students will draw upon on their own experience of organisations and employment to support the development of relevant knowledge, skills and understanding. Taught sessions will be supported by web based resources on Weblearn and directed learning activities. Students will be issued with a module handbook, and guidance on readings, most of which will be available through the Learning Centre, others through Weblearn.  However, there is a high emphasis on work-based learning to develop project proposal skills and personal reflection in this module. Students will be encouraged to think holistically both in class and via the assessment strategy, so that an integrated understanding of the syllabus components can be fully appreciated.

On completion of this unit, learners will be able:

• To set out the PPP procurement process and address issues at critical decision points, including project review.
• To examine the development and appraisal of projects for PPP procurement.
• To examine the options for assembling procurement teams.
• To examine the development of tender documentation.
• To assess the outcomes of examples of PPP projects in practice.
• To write and reflect upon a PPP Business Case (Proposal) including an in-depth consideration of points to be addressed in a formal proposal to obtain Ministry/Ministry of Finance sanction.

The assessment for this module will consist of two formal submissions but there will also be regular opportunities for informal assessment via tutor feedback.

Developing a Project Proposal for PPP Procurement will be assessed by two pieces of coursework. The first will comprise a research proposal (approx. 1,000 words) to be submitted on-line in week 5. The second assessment will comprise a PPP project proposal and reflection (approx. 4,000 words). This will be submitted on-line in week 15. This will allow the student to address all the learning outcomes to a suitable depth.

Essential texts

BRYMAN, A. & BELL, E. (2011). Business research methods. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

DAVIE J.D.M. (2015). The PPP Book: Public-Private Partnerships Unbundled. London, Inspire Publishing.
GEDDES, M. (2005). Making public private partnerships work: building relationships and understanding cultures. Aldershot, Hants, Gower.

Other texts and e-resources
AKINTOYE, A., BECK, M. & RICS RESEARCH (2009). Policy, finance and management for public-private partnership. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell.
BEXELL, M., & MÖRTH, U. (2010). Democracy and public-private partnerships in global governance. New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
COMMISSION ON PUBLIC-PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS (2001). Building better partnerships: the final report of the Commission on Public Private Partnerships. London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
CORRY, D., LE GRAND, J. & RADCLIFFE, R. (1997). Public/private partnerships: a marriage of convenience or a permanent commitment? London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
DUBBEN, N. & WILLIAMS, B. (2009). Partnerships in urban property development. Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell.
GHOBADIAN, A. (2004). Public-private partnerships: policy and experience. Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan.
GLAISTER, S., SCANION, R. & TRAVERS, T. (2000).  Getting partnership going: PPPs in transport. London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
HODGE, G.A., & GREVE, C. (2005). The challenge of public-private partnerships: learning from international experience. Cheltenham, UK, Edward Elgar.
JOSEPH, E. & KELLY, G. (2000). Finding the right partner: diversity in local public private partnerships. London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LONDON (2001). Public-private partnerships: UK expertise for international markets. London, International Financial Services London.
KELLY, G. (2000). The new partnership agenda. London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
KELLY, G. & ROBINSON, P. (2000). A healthy partnership: the future of public private partnerships in the health sector. London, IPPR.
LINK, A. N. (2006). Public/private partnerships: innovation strategies and policy alternatives. New York, Springer.
LISSAUER, R. & ROBINSON, P. (2000). A learning process: public private partnerships in education. London, Institute for Public Policy Research.
MORRISON, R. (2012). The principles of project finance. Burlington, Vermont, Gower.
OSBORNE, S.P. (2000). Public-private partnerships in international perspective. London, Routledge.
ROBINSON, H. (2010). Governance & knowledge management for public-private partnerships. Chichester, Wiley-Blackwell.
SAUNDERS, M., LEWIS, P. & THORNHILL, A. (2012). Research methods for business students. Harlow, Pearson Education.
SAVAS, E.S. (2000). Privatization and public-private partnerships. New York, Chatham House.
SILLETT, J. (2001). Public private partnerships: opening the public private debate. London, Local Government Information Unit.
VAILLANCOURT ROSENAU, P. (2000). Public-private policy partnerships. Cambridge, Mass, MIT Press.

Recommended Journals
Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal
Business & Society
Facilities
Innovation Journal
International Journal of Project Management
International Journal of Public Sector Management
Journal of Business Ethics
Journal of Economic Policy Reform
Journal of Economics and Business
Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction
Journal of Public Procurement
Political Science Quarterly
The American Journal of International Law
The American Political Science Review
The Economic Journal
The Journal of Politics
The Quarterly Journal of Economics
Society and Business Review

Web Resources

https://www.cips.org/Documents/Knowledge/Procurement-Topics-and-Skills/5-Strategy-and-Policy/Procurement-Policy-Development/POP-Private_Finance_Initiatives.pdf
http://www.cips.org/documents/Beyond%20Project%20Management.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/187569/engage_with_private_sector.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-new-approach-to-public-private-partnerships-consultation-on-the-terms-of-public-sector-equity-participation-in-pf2-projects
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/procurement-and-contract-management
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications?keywords=PPP&publication_filter_option=all&topics%5B%5D=all&departments%5B%5D=all&official_document_status=all&world_locations%5B%5D=all&from_date=&to_date=

TUC Library
You will also find a number of useful publications on PPP in the TUC collections. Copies are not loanable but are available to view by students at the TUC Collections on Holloway Road. You are advised to check to see if an appointment is necessary to view particular items.