Natural Resource Economics ECON4021/Formative Activity Summary
This document provides a summary of the feedback on the Essay example discussed during the
dedicated formative activity. It also provides guidance on identifying possible and reliable
sources for your research.
Summary from the formative activity
It was argued that the Essay example worth low B; B2-B3. The bullet points below indicate areas
that could strengthen this work. They should be read in conjunction with the marking rubric.
Criterion Presentation: Very good/B3
The Recommendation section needs improvement to have a better balance with the other
two sections and help the reader to follow better the argument. One suggestion was be slit
the section into two: one section to discuss the evaluation criteria and other to apply the
criteria for comparing the policy options. Another suggestion was to include a Conclusion
section with the policy recommendation.
Criterion Content: Very good/B2-B3
An exploration of the alternative perspectives which could strengthen this work. For
example, are water transfers and water banks the best alternative to preferential use
The Essay does not discuss the key impacts of the problem at hand on the economy and
adequate discusses the impacts on the environment.
Criterion Evaluation: Very good/B2-B1
Some ideas could be better supported by the literature or lessons learnt elsewhere. For
example, the idea of water transfers and water banks is supported by one paper. Has been
successfully used in another country
Other comments:
This assessment does not capture the course Intended Learning Outcome (ILO) 2 ‘Normatively,
graphically and mathematically describe allocations of natural resources from an economic
perspective’ but it captures ILO3 ‘Apply economic principles to real world natural resource
use problems, evaluate possible solutions, and propose the solution(s) most consistent with
a stated objective.’ Hence it is expected to appropriately select and apply principles taught in
the class (see marking criterion Content ‘Relevant terminologies/key concepts discussed in
class are identified and thoughtfully applied to the specific problem.’)
Appropriate use and selection of headings can improve presentation and organisation of
ideas.
Be creative and innovative—do not copy the format of this example!
Select an appropriate Essay title.
Add and respect the word limit. Anything beyond will be not marked for consistency and
fairness.
Give yourself time to
digest your reading and proofread. This might help to avoid incorrect
or insecure ideas/arguments and awkward writing. Maybe you can kindly ask someone to
read your work before submission.
Identifying possible and reliable sources when doing research
– What type of sources should I use
Do not resort to unknown sources on the web. Use journal articles, books, newspapers or working
papers from academic institutions. Journal articles are refereed, and books have passed an
extensive editing process, but nobody checks if the information on web pages is correct. A good
strategy is to use web pages if they provide data or other information not available from the
primary sources above and are from distinguished institutions (e.g. World Bank, IMF). Note that
most working papers are in a ‘pre-publication’ stage, where (perhaps) only the authors have
checked them. The number of citations can be also used as a measure of the impact/importance
of a publication.
– How can I find possible sources
Try Google Scholar: the environmental problem (e.g. deforestation) + Country + Policy as a
key search word]. The Libraries have research personnel that are very helpful with key
word searches.
Because you are working on an environmental problem of your country, there might be
important research which is not written in English language. This will be acceptable but please
translate all information in English language.
– Where can I find relevant data
World Trade Organization
Eurostat
OECD
FAO
Our World in data
The World Bank Development Indicators
IMF Data
United Nations Development Programme: Human Development Reports
+ countries’ databases, for example:
GOV.UK
GOV.SCOT
– Which can be possible relevant academic journals
J of Agricultural and Resource Economics
European Review of Agricultural Economics
American Journal of Agricultural Economics
Agricultural Resource and Economic Review
Land Economics
Resource and Energy Economics
Environmental and Resource Economics
J of Economics and Environmental Management
Review of Environmental Economics
Review of Environmental Economics and Policy
J of Environmental Management
Annual Review of the Environment and Resources
Ecological Economics
Environmental Technology and Economics Society and Natural Resources
J of Wildlife Management Forest Science
J of Forestry
Water Resources Research
Choices
Nature
Science
Resources
Resource for the Future
Conservation: forests, water, soils, minerals
Environmental Management
J of Soil and Water Conservation