GM0212, Strategic Environmental Assessment –
Integrating Environment in Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
Literature Seminar 3:
Priority setting, Participation, Social Accountability and
Learning
Teacher: Anders Ekbom
Date: December 20, 2010
Time: 13.15 - 16.00
Place: GU C23
The Purpose of the Seminar
This seminar offers the students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of priority
setting, public participation, social accountability and learning in integration of
environment in strategic planning and decision-making in general, and in Strategic
Environmental Assessment (SEA) in particular.
Preparation for the Seminar
Before the seminar, all students should read the following literature, which is available
through the GU electronic library:
Thomas, John W. and Grindle, Merilee S., 1990. After the Decision: Implementing Policy
Reforms in Developing Countries, World Development, 18 (8): 1163-1181.
Wilkins, Hugh, 2003. The Need for Subjectivity in EIA: Discourse as a Tool for
Sustainable Development, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, Vol. 23, p. 401414.
Jha-Thakur, Urmila, Paola Gazzola, Deborah Peel, Thomas B Fischer and Sue Kidd,
2009. Effectiveness of Strategic Environmental Assessment – the Significance of
Learning, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 27 (2), pp 133-144.
All students are expected to have read all of these texts carefully. A brief discussion of
the following three questions will serve as starting point for the seminar, so everybody
has to be able to answer these questions verbally during the seminar:
1. What is the main argument of the paper?
2. Can the author’s position be criticised and if so, how?
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GM0212, Strategic Environmental Assessment –
Integrating Environment in Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
When you have a firm grasp of all three articles, write a short paper (2-4 pages, times
new roman, 12pt, 1.5 line space) answering one the following sections of questions:
Thomas and Grindle (1990):
-
-
Explain and discuss the linear as well as the interactive model of implementation,
respectively, as proposed by Thomas and Grindle
How can policy reforms be managed strategically by the proponent (and certain
desired outcomes be achieved) by using knowledge about common problems in
implementation? What management tools can be used (by e.g. the government) to
prevent weak implementation?
Discuss the implications of the framework developed by Thomas and Grindle for
environmental assessment in general and public participation in EA in particular,
drawing on Wilkins (2003) and Jha-Thakur et al (2009).
Wilkins (2003):
- Describe how and why subjectivity often is viewed as a shortcoming in (strategic)
environmental assessment. What are the main criticisms? Present and elaborate on
the key shortcomings raised by Wilkins.
- Discuss the key contributions to EA/SEA of subjectivity according to Wilkins.
- Based on the analysis and arguments of Wilkins, present some of your views on
using subjectivity and discourse as means to achieve better environmental
assessment and sustainable development. In your view, is Wilkins right in his
argumentation? If so, how, why? If not, why?
Jha-Thakur et al (2009):
- Explain and discuss the concept “learning”, different types of (individual)
learning stages and styles, and learning outcomes, using the conceptual
framework developed by Jha-Thakur et al.
- Based on Jha-Thakur et al., explain how learning can be addressed and assessed
in the context of empirical applications of SEA.
- Explain and discuss how different kinds of learning can contribute to more
effective SEA.
Examination
The papers prepared for the seminar should draw on the assigned literature explicitly, that
is, you have to make correct references (including page numbers) when you write. We
also encourage you to make use of other literature that you have read previously during
the course, as well as lecture notes. Be prepared to present the main arguments of your
paper during the seminar.
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GM0212, Strategic Environmental Assessment –
Integrating Environment in Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
You should hand in your paper to the responsible teachers before the seminar starts on
Dec 20. Bring one printed copy to the seminar, or e-mail it to Anders
(anders.ekbom@economics.gu.se) no later than 11 am the same day. Possible grades for
the paper are Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U). The following criteria
will be taken into account when grading:
- The paper is analytical and critically addresses all the questions listed under the
chosen section of questions
- The paper is well structured and well written (including spelling, grammar, etc.)
- An accurate account of the readings is given and used sources are referenced
correctly
In order to obtain PASS on the seminar participation is compulsory. If you are unable to
attend you have to contact the responsible teacher (Anders Ekbom) who will give you an
additional assignment.
We strongly encourage you to participate actively during the seminar so that we can have
a fruitful and lively discussion!
Good luck!
Anders Ekbom, anders.ekbom@economics.gu.se
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