module specification

This module will allow students to explore the concept of impact assessment drawing on theory, practice and evidence base, using case studies and group activities. Using a variety of techniques and tools that are common practice e.g. community profiling, data analysis, literature review, social science/qualitative research techniques, lobbying, political awareness, partnership working, project management and a team approach students will learn to assess the distribution of effects of different interventions on population groups.

Please note:

Oct 19 10-1pm
Oct 20 10-5pm

Nov 15 10-1pm
Nov  16 10-1pm
Nov 17 10-5pm
Nov 18 10-2pm assessment

Dec 14 10-1pm
Dec 15 10-5pm

Jan 15 6-8pm revision

None

The module provides opportunities for students to critique the concepts and elements within impact assessment and to evaluate different methodologies used. Key aspects will be consideration of stakeholder involvement and contextual factors in order to help students to learn about combinations of procedures, methods and tools by which a policy, programme or project may be judged as to its potential effects on the population, and the distribution of those effects within the population.    

The module will develop understanding and skills underpinning methods and methodology used for impact assessment, the theoretical construction of data, research concepts and operationalization of research.  It will develop skills for project design and management, as well as understanding of the multifaceted approach to impact of any intervention.  The module will cover understanding different interests and agendas of wide range of stakeholders and their involvement of analysing the impacts of interventions.

The learning and teaching will consist of a structured programme of formal lectures, workshops, seminars and student-led discussions of set material. The module will include a variety of ways for students to explore methodologies in relation to management theories, policies and concepts using activities to deepen their understanding towards meeting the learning outcomes. They may include: interactive workshops based on problem solving and analysis of live issues and real cases, personal study, private reading, reflective writing and thinking in advance of class attendance, case studies, critical incidents, role play and small group work, site visits, video clips, formal lectures and personal reflection. Keeping a reflective diary for this module is useful.

The module will be using WebLearn - guidance will be given during the module about how to best use this. It is designed to support students learning providing access to wider reading and resources to help to prepare for each session e.g. websites, policy documents and articles and or to revise and deepen knowledge after sessions e.g. lecture notes. Students are encouraged to use other learning resources such as the Library and the CELT and WebLearn.

 Understand the purpose, principles and practice of impact assessment
 Evaluate current research, data sources and advanced methods used for collection of evidence for impact assessment
 Discuss the integration of concerns into all policies at stakeholder, community, member state and regional levels, including use of impact assessment and evaluation tools
 Apply methods and techniques appropriate to their own research or advanced scholarship in impact assessment
 

The assessment will include both formative and summative methods. It will consist of two pieces of assessed work, a presentation and an extended report. The presentation will require students to choose a development in a country and provide comprehensive analysis of the context of the development. This will be used to provide formative feedback.

The extended report will require students to devise a methodology to assess the impact on a defined population or community. The report will provide summative feedback at the end of the course. 

Beard C, Billett A.  (2010)Health Impact Assessment: Passionate about health. Guidance 2nd Edition http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/Care/strategies/SOTWHIAGuidelines12012010v7final.pdf
Birley M (2011) Health Impact Assessment: Principles and Practice
Bryman, A. (1988) Quantity and Quality in Social Research, Unwin & Hyman
Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods, Oxford University Press
British Medical Association (1998) Health and environmental impact assessment. London: Earthscan Publications Ltd, http://www.earthscan.co.uk/?tabid=101984
European policy HIA – A Guide: www.ihia.org.uk/document/ephia.pdf
Health Impact Assessment in WHO: http://www.who.int/hia/en/
Health Impact Assessment in Australia: HIA Connect: http://www.hiaconnect.edu.au/ 
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International Association for Impact Assessment
www.ihia.org [Also has a health email discussion group for IAIA members]
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O'Mullane  M (2013) Integrating Health Impact Assessment With The Policy Process: Lessons And Experiences From Around The World
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http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4140925&chk=DN6quT
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http://www.hiaconnect.edu.au/files/Gothenburg_Consensus_Paper.pdf
also available on http://www.apho.org.uk/resource/item.aspx?RID=44163