FNP-32306 Decision-making in Economics for Forest and Nature Conservation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

FNP-21306 Management of Forest and Nature Organisations.

Continuation courses:

Thesis Forest and Nature Conservation Policy.

Contents:

This course offers a deeper insight into the practical and management field of economics in forest and nature conservation and it's theoretical implications. The focus of economics is on the question how people choose to use their scarce resources in an attempt to satisfy their unlimited demands. In this course the central focus will be on the analysis, understanding and application of (individual) human decision-making with regard to the use, management and conservation of nature and forests. The course first of all focuses on the understanding of (individual) decision-making and decision-making processes. Because decision-making situations differ (e.g. resource type, available information, presence of conflicting views), in the second part of the course different types of decision situations in forest and nature conservation will be discussed. In the third part, the possibilities and limitations of the different decision-making approaches in the different decision situations will be investigated. Different topics from forest and nature conservation and management will be used as examples to reflect on related theory and practice, such as markets and market failure, rent-seeking, time preferences, investment analysis. The course will not be limited to a certain region, thus including Dutch/European/global applications and examples.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of the course students are expected to be able to:
- describe the theoretical and practical field of economics in forest and nature conservation;
- analyse current issues in forest and nature conservation from an economic perspective;
- describe and explain some of the most important (individual) decision-making approaches in forest and nature conservation;
- describe and explain the different types of decision situations in forest and nature conservation;
- describe and explain the extent in which different decision-making approaches can be used in the context of forest and nature conservation;
- analyse and assess decision-making in different decision situations in forest and nature conservation;
- design a strategy to influence decision-making in an actual situation in forest and nature conservation.

Activities:

The course includes different learning activities:
- preparing for and attendance of lectures on the topics indicated above;
- attendance of and participation in small assignments;
- self-study and preparation for examination;
- active participation in a group assignment.

Examination:

The final exam consists of:
- an individual written exam (open book exam with open questions) (60%);
- a group assignment (40%);
- some smaller individual assignments.
Students need to have a minimum partial grade of 5.5 for all components (including the smaller assignments).

Literature:

More information about the course will become available through the internet-site of the course.