On this module I have been asked to select a singe area of practice for the whole module to apply the tools from the various approaches to this single area of practice. Each TMA and the EMA will use this area as a focus.
“It is therefore vitally important that you give some serious attention to selecting an appropriate and appealing area of practice that can carry you through the remainder of the module.”
The suggested criteria to use to select an area of practice include:
- It should be something I’m interested in
- It must have an element ofpractical change
- The scope should have the potential to include a range of levels
- It should be possible to have different viewpoints
- The potential for unforeseen change should be present
I am considering three possible areas:
- Programme management
- Active travel
- Rail transport planning
Programme management
An area I’m interested in and a core element of my professional practice. There are many aspects which need improving (practical change) both in my own practice and the wider application. If nothing else recognition that project and programme are different. For a programme to exist there needs to be many different levels and multiple stakeholders which inevitably provide varying viewpoints. And I’m assuming there is the potential for unforeseen change.
Active travel
Passionate. Really committed to this - as a participant. But is that a practitioner? It fulfills the criteria in terms of levels, different viewpoints (often antagonistic) and has huge potential for unforeseen change. But … could I be appropriately dispassionate? Not sure I could - especially as I live in a house with a very passionate, knowledgeable cycle campaigner and lobbyist.
Rail transport planning
I’ve worked in the industry for about 20 years so it certainly qualifies as an area of professional practice. However, I work as a programme manager not as a transport planner. The industry is on the verge of huge change (depending on the recommendations of the Williams Review) and has many and varied stakeholders. Is it too big?
