Centre for Professional Development and Lifelong Learning

Postgraduate Modules

Social, Economic, Political, Environmental Impact Assessment

Social, Economic, Political, Environmental Impact Assessment

Overview

In many parts of the world, social and environmental impact studies are now a prerequisite in developmental project applications. Decision makers therefore need data to determine which programs or policies would be most beneficial to society. Social and environmental impact assessment is a course designed to address the aforementioned issues. In this course, delegates will engage in an in- depth study and practice of key quantitative and qualitative methodologies that enable project management professionals and programme evaluators to determine the impact a proposed project will have, to evaluate whether a project in progress is on track to achieve its estimated impact, and/or to evaluate whether a completed or terminated project has achieved its promised impact.

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Mode of Delivery: Face-to-Face, Online, HyFlex or Blended
 

What will I Learn?

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
  • Explain and use SIA tools/techniques/methodologies.
  • Explain and use EIA tools/techniques/methodologies.
  • Explain and use a wide array of cost analytical tools/techniques/methodologies.
  • Identify the major issues that need to be considered/addressed in applications for new development initiatives.
  • Use analytical and critical thinking skills to create detailed checklist methodologies for different types of projects.

Who Should do this Course

Individuals who meet the entry requirements for postgraduate level training including project management professionals and programme evaluators, who want to be equipped with the skills to successfully conduct social and environmental studies, and who want to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for social, environmental, and impact studies.

Important Information

Semester II, 2020/2021 (Jan 2021) postgraduate modules will be delivered ‘face-to-face’, ‘online’, ‘blended’ or ‘hyflex’. See Mode of Delivery definitions below:
 
Face-to-Face
Face-to-face teaching is an instructional method where course content is taught in person, in a physical classroom environment.
 
Online: 
Online teaching is an instructional method where students and instructors connect via technology to review lectures, submit assignments and communicate with one another. No face-to-face learning occurs since lectures, assignments and readings are delivered online.
 
Blended:
Blended teaching (also known as hybrid or mixed-mode) is an instructional method where a portion of the traditional face-to-face instruction is replaced by web-based online instruction. Therefore, classes are delivered via electronic and online media as well as traditional face-to-face teaching.
 
HyFlex:
Hybrid-Flexible (also known as HyFlex teaching) integrates in-class instruction, online synchronous video sessions, or asynchronous content delivery. The instructor will deliver the class in a regular classroom, but students may attend in person, participate in the class through video conferencing, or watch a recording of the class session.
 

 

  • Applicants must bring all required documentation to the Department of Management Studies, Graduate Section, for their application to be processed.
  • Individuals applying for postgraduate modules, whose native language is not English, must take tests,  to demonstrate English Language proficiency prior to registration, as identified in the Manual of Procedures re: Regulations for Graduate Diplomas and Degrees (Sec. 1, Para. 5).

At a Glance

  • Admissions Term: 2025/2026 Semester II
  • Date: January to May 2026
  • Time: TBA
  • Duration: 12 Weeks (36 hours)
  • Certificate Awarded: Postgraduate Professional Development Certificate of Competence
  • Course Code: PTMT6009
  • Capacity: 10
  • Cost: BBD $2,050 (USD $1,025) {with assessment}; BBD $1,750 (USD $875) {without assessment}
The following topics/concepts/theories/issues will be addressed:
  • Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
  • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
  • Review of Checklists in Different Sectors/Industries
  • Checklist Development for New Development Initiatives
  • Reporting Format for Social, Environmental and Economic Studies
  • Budgets, Data Management, Multicultural Issues
  • Terms of Reference Preparation
  • Ethical Issues
  • International Guidelines
  • Site Visits to Industry (e.g., Arawak Cement Plant, The Brewery, Barbados Light and Power).
  • Trending Topics
For entry into this course, applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree, or five (5) years relevant work experience. Applicants may also be asked to provide an up-to-date Curriculum Vitae.

The course material will be delivered using a combination of:

  • Direct instruction consisting of explicit teaching and associated didactic questions from course lecturer.
  • Guest lecturers (Environmental Protection Department, and other manufacturing firms/service providers in Barbados that would need to observe social and environmental impacts).
  • In-depth class discussion/dialogue/class exercises/case studies on specific topics assigned by course lecturer.
  • Independent learning from perusal of specified websites such as the International Association for Impact Assessment and Institute of Environmental Assessment and review of various library resources on social and environmental impact studies.

TBA