7ENT2027 Environmental Policy and Governance CW1 Assignment Brief | University of Hertfordshire

Learning Outcomes (from Definitive Module Document): 

LO1 - Explain the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex civil engineering problems (to include the entire life cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
LO2 - Apply knowledge of engineering management principles. commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights in relation to civil engineering projects.
LO3 - Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities. benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion. 
LO4 - Identify and analyse ethical concerns, within civil engineering practice, and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct.
LOS - Function effectively as an individual. and as a member or leader of a team.
LO6 - Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences. evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Assignment brief shall remain provisional until the external moderation is completed.

Assignment Brief assignment CW1: Comprehensive Essay on the 2024 Engineering or People Design Challenge

Introductory information:

the Engineering for People Design Challenge is an initiative led by Engineers thout Borders (EWB), inviting future engineers to create impactful, sustainable solutions addressing real-world community challenges. The 2024 challenge focuses on Makers Valley, Johannesburg, South Africa, an urban environment with a vibrant cultural and social fabric but burdened with pressing challenges such as housing shortages, waste management, water and energy access, and infrastructure decay, etc. his assignment calls for an in-depth individual analysis of Makers Valley's unique context, with a focus on addressing these challenges through sustainable engineering solutions. Students must consider the three pillars of sustainability (social, economic, and environmental), ethical practices, and compliance with international frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable.

Resources:

To support your research and solutions:

• 2024 Design Brief: Download Here
• EVVB Website: for Additional resources - Access Here.
• EWB Design Challenge Website: Access Here
• EVB Login Password: South africa WFP
• United Nations SDGs: A framework for aligning solutions with global priorities. Learn More.
• Supplementary Resources: Government reports, Policy regulations. Research publications etc. 

Task at Hand

You are required to write an individual essay of 2500 words critically analyzing the challenges and opportunities of the targeted area, supported by proposed solutions grounded in sustainability principles and ethical considerations. 

Your essay must include the following key sections: 

1. Stakeholder Analysis and Requirements
2. Environmental and Natural Resource Factors
3. Cultural, Historical, and Societal Consideration
4. Economic Growth and Development Opportunities
5. Legal and Ethical Implications 

Each section should provide a comprehensive analysis and discussion, integrating evidence-based arguments and practical solutions. The guiding bullet points to consider are presented below:

• Identify the main stakeholders in the area and perform a broad analysis of their requirements: Examine interdependencies among stakeholders and how these influence the outcomes.
• Identify and discuss key environmental and natural resource factors: Assess key environmental challenges; Are there any environmental requirements/implications specific to the area and due to the terrain?: How could interventions on natural resources affect the local community?
• Highlight key aspects of local culture, history and societal structures that need to be taken into account and protected; Highlight potential conflicts between modern engineering solutions and traditional practices; Propose strategies for cultural inclusivity, preservation, and community engagement.
• How could economic growth be achieved? Are there features or natural resources in the area that could be enhanced or utilised for financial prosperity? If so, could it pose a threat to the local lifestyle and how.
• Are there any specific problems hindering prosperity and growth?
• Key legal implications and considerations for your challenge area and/or problem: Are there any ethics-related implications and considerations relevant to the challenge area?; How do international sustainability directives and frameworks come to play? Do they appear relevant and applicable?