In this post, we focus on the importance of methods and concepts to aid new ideas and discussion. Natural sciences often place emphasis on positivist
The Economics of Water – Cost, Price and Value of a ‘Free’ Natural Resource
[1500 Words; 10 Minute Read] This article looks at ‘environmental resource’ issues in connection with water. We look at ‘externalities’ as the third-party costs and
The Open Economy and Sustainable Cities
[100 Words; 10 Minute Read] In addition to the more localised economic mechanisms that operate in urban areas, the wider open economy will shape how
Financing Affordable Housing Development – Mechanisms that are Weighted and Blended
[1000 Words; 10 Minute Read] This post looks at what “Weighted-Blended” Finance Mechanisms are the most appropriate framing to consider the financing of affordable housing
Socially Responsible Property Investment (SRPI) – Practice, Priorities and Behaviours
[2000 Words; 20 Minute Read] In examining the effectiveness of the investment practice known as ‘Socially Responsible Property Investment’ (SRPI), funds and developers make special
The Problem with an Economic Valuation of the Environment
[1500 Words; 10 Minute Read] The valuation of external costs and benefits will be difficult but necessary if the full cost or benefit to society
The Economics of Choice and Opportunity Cost in Development
[2000 Words; 15 Minute Read] Choice is an important element in economic thinking if there are scarce resources and infinite wants. Urban areas that are
Case study research – using case studies by geography
[800 Words; 5 Minute Read] Research methodology often incorporates case studies, and it is important to outline case study epistemological merits and limitations. Firstly, the
Project Feasibility Given the Time Value of Money: Discounting and Net Present Value
Time and Discounting [2500 Words; 20 Minute Read] For major project feasibility and decision making, if cost and benefit items have been identified and valued,
Financing affordable housing development – What types are there?
[3500 Words; 20 Minute Read] It is important to improve understanding of how cities can be better financed to meet affordable housing challenges over the
Public Private Partnerships (PPP) – A win-win situation?
[1000 Words; 5 Minute Read] A Public Private Partnership (PPP) is a public service or private business venture that is funded and operated through a
The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) – Paying for Public Goods with Private Money
[2000 Words; 10 minute Read] The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) is defined as a form of procurement to encourage private investment in public sector projects.
Housing Affordability and Tenure Change – Generation Rent
[500 Words; 2 Minute Read] Housing affordability as a rental tenure issue has become an increasingly debated area. Particularly as Haffner and Boumeester (2010) argue
The Built and Natural Environment According to Economists – The Early Years.
[3100 Words; Reading Time 24 Mins] Ideas, concepts and theories are developed from intellectual thoughts that are of importance when studying urban and environmental economics.
Policy Transfer: Why do we see the same ideas and practice around the world? – 5 Key Aspects
[1300 Words; 10 Minute Read]. The post explores what is involved and could be considered when transferring policy from one context to another. At the
Socially Responsible Property Investment (SRPI) – An Introduction
[1500 Words; 20 Minute Read] This article introduces an understanding of the use of Socially Responsible Property Investment (SRPI) in urban development. Urban development and
Financing urban development
[5,000 Words; 30 Minute Read] The use of bonded financial mechanisms such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) can lever renewal within a wider policy framework.
A PhD on Housing Markets and Regeneration. 10+ years on with Download
Time flies when you are an academic. 10+ years ago I completed a PhD from the University of Manchester (UK), that predominantly focused on exploring