ASSIGNMENT 1
MOULE: URBAN ECONOMICS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Report 1500 words
Assessment task: Report “The effect of cutting greenhouse gas emissions on economic
growth”
Learning Outcomes Assessed
LO1 Discuss the role of energy prices in mitigating the effects of climate change
LO2 Demonstrate a solid understanding of how urbanisation affects greenhouse gas production,
and how urbanites in the developed and developing world will adapt to the challenges posed by
climate change
LO3 Analyse economic concepts such as externalities and public goods
LO4 Discuss the nature of the climate problem and major climate change agreements, and
analyse costs and benefits of various climate change policies.
Various developments, largely independent of economic growth, have been reducing the
greenhouse gas emissions/GDP ratio. These developments include: technological advances in
energy generation; the switch to alternative fuels in many countries, thanks, in large part to lower
renewable energy costs; increased energy efficiency by consumers; and a continuing move from
energy-intensive manufacturing to less energy-intensive services. If governments forced more
radical cuts in greenhouse gases, would this reduce the rate of economic growth or have no effect?
Introduction 15%
Criticality & analysis 50%
Conclusion 15%
Written communication 10%
Academic referencing 10%
Instructions:
You are expected to produce a report on the effect of cutting greenhouse gas emissions on
economic growth. The report requires you to critically analyse the possible causal relationships
between cutting greenhouse gas emissions and the rate of economic growth. It also requires you to
discuss the incentive mechanisms that can governments or other agencies adopt to encourage
reductions in greenhouse gas emissions without reducing economic growth.
Undergraduate Grading Criteria:
• shows clear evidence of wide and relevant reading and an engagement with the conceptual
issues;
• develops a sophisticated and intelligent argument;
• shows a rigorous use and a confident understanding of relevant source materials;
• achieves an appropriate balance between factual detail and key theoretical issues;
• provides evidence of original thinking;
• shows outstanding ability of synthesis
ASSIGNMENT 2
MODULE: ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
Essay 2000 words
By the end of the module, you will be able to:
1. Discuss the importance of identifying, quantifying, managing, and communicating corporate risk.
2. Critically analyse a risk register
3. Appreciate the benefits of a holistic approach in evaluating company’s risks
4. Develop and critically discuss strategies for mitigation of these risks
Assessment task: The Board of Directors of Centrica plc, has asked you to conduct an analysis of its enterprise risks using the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Framework. You have been asked to prepare the following documents
• A one page executive summary outlining the key risks you have identified.
• Risk management practices currently in place at Centrica plc.
• A risk register, which should provide an overview of the risks that may impact on the achievement of the organisation’s aims, and should include a column showing the research resources you have used to help determine the severity and likelihood of risks. It should be structured to include:
• Risk identification: The list of risks should include all the risks you have identified, including those that are not above the acceptable risk threshold. References to relevant sources must be included. Risks should not be generic (i.e. applicable to a broad range of companies) but should use internal documents to link to organisational aims and include any relevant figures or information about the likelihood or severity of each risk, using any relevant news or, for example, proposed changes to regulation.
• The aim is for this information to help you to assess each risk. Both threats and opportunities should be identified, and clarity will be improved if they are presented in separate sections in the register.
• Risk quantification: quantitative and/or qualitative, including clarification of the risk rating parameters and a justification of the acceptable risk threshold used in the register in the introduction to the document. Include details of any existing controls that have been identified and taken into account when assessing residual risk to provide assessments for each risk within the register. Register sorted so that highest scoring risks are at the top.
• Risk responses: in relation to acceptable risk thresholds determined in the plan – those above the threshold are those the Board of Directors should be aware of, with accompanying suggestions for mitigation actions. Risks below the defined threshold should not require mitigation, use the register risk scores to prioritise the key strategic risks. Understanding of management solutions to suggest appropriate mitigation actions,
• A risk map
Risk register suggested format The following provides guidance on the report to be submitted.
Executive Summary – a summary of the key findings from the risk register Introduction: To include risk management practices currently in place in the organisation being evaluated, and an explanation of the risk parameters used for risk rating and how the level of acceptable risk adopted in the risk register was determined.
Risk Register Template
ASSIGNMENT 3
MODULE: FINANCIAL MARKETS AND GLOBAL FINANCIAL CENTRES
Essay 2000 words
The main aims of the module are:
– To explore the global financial markets and major financial centres
– To examine most important financial instruments, and how they are used for investment decisions
– To learn about the mechanisms of the banking system and banking regulations
– To acquaint you with the financial press and economic commentary on global finance
Learning Outcomes:
1. Critically discuss the evolution of the financial sector
2. Identify key drivers of the fast changing financial markets and economy
3. Critically appraise the nature and importance of the banking system and regulation of the banks
Critically analyse the financial press and economic commentary (e.g. Financial Times)
Assessment Task
Global Financial Markets collapsed in 2008 and many banks in many different countries have had to rely on Government bail-outs and Government and Central Bank intervention to maintain solvency. Similarly a large amount of new regulation has been introduced including, for example, the Dodd Frank Act in the USA and MIFID 2 legislation in Europe / The United Kingdom.
Write a 2000 word essay in the style of an academic paper making references to academic literature and industry research [ where you can find it] and analyse the current state [ 2018/2019] of Global Financial Markets with particular reference to the following two concepts:
1. Has the Global financial market place learned any lessons from the crash in 2008 with regards to some of the instruments it trades, the levels of debt in the system and the way many financial institutions conduct themselves
2. Do you think that the attempts to regulate Global financial markets will make is less / or more likely that we will see another Global financial crash similar to 2008