It is important to note that preparation for the decision making exercise in the Synoptic Unit requires the development of a deeper understanding of the connections between the different aspects of geography represented in the specification within the context identified in sections 14.2 to 14.5, inclusive, of this module.

To enable candidates to address decision making, they must also he taught to use their ability to:
· interpret and analyse a range of data and resources;
· select and use an evidence hase derived from a variety of sources of information;
· use their skills to evaluate a range of options;
· evaluate a range of opinions concerning an issue using the geographical experience gained from study of the topics in 14.6, below;· identify and analyse potential areas of conflict;
· use their skills of decision-making to recommend a decision and justify their choice;
· provide from their own knowledge additional justification for their decision, where appropriate;
· monitor the possible impacts of their decision.

14.2 The Process of Decision- Making.
The following process should he rehearsed with students in order to equip them for the Decision-Making Exercise.
Recognition of the issue/problem — evaluation of the relevant evidence — review of alternative strategies for resolving the issue — succinct summary of the criteria for making a decision — decision making — explanation of outcome(s) — justification and review of the decision-making process — recognition of the limitations of the outcome(s).

14.3 The Parties which may be involved in the Decision-Making Process
· International agencies · National and local government· Government agencies
· Business interests, including transnational corporations· Non-governmental organisations· Interest and pressure groups
· Individual people affected by the issue and the decision taken

14.4 The Economics and Politics of the Process.
The analysis of the criteria for decision making could include the role of economic and political factors in determining outcomes. For example, the role that economic factors could play in the management of physical landforms overwhelmed by tourism; the role of political factors in the selection of sites for out-of-town shopping areas or the role of environmental organisations in the development of energy schemes.

14.5 The Environmental Context
Students should be encouraged to look at the following in an environmental context.
· The impact of issues on an environment · Conservation and exploitation; sustainability and growth · Legislation relating to the environment

14.6 The Context for the Development of Decision-Making Skills
The development of the skills referred to in section 14.1 must be taught in the context of the knowledge, skills and understanding of modules studied in the specification. This means that the synoptic module may be set in the context of any of the following areas of the specification, either in isolation, or combined as and when appropriate.

Assessment will be achieved by means of a decision-making exercise which will be focussed on the analysis of an issue located in a particular place or environment which is unfamiliar to candidates. It is envisaged that, over time, a variety of scales will be used from local to regional, to national, to international. The context will also be varied from the UK, to other MEDCs, to LEDCs, thus representing countries in various states of development. Where the context is drawn from that area of the specification which is studied at AS, or from the options at AS, material will be provided in the Advance Information Booklet in such a way as to enable all candidates to be assessed to A Level standard. Whole decision making exercises will not be set on an optional section of the specification.
· Atmospheric, geomorphological and human processes affecting drainage basin hydrology.
· Environmental and social issues resulting from the balance between population and the use of resources in countries in various states of development.
· Environmental and social issues arising from the use of energy resources in countries in various states of development.
· The changing sectoral and spatial organisation of business in the UK within the last 30 years.
· Changes in social and demographic environments within urban areas within the last 30 years.
· Glacial, coastal and urban physical environments.
· Urban change in the UK and the Wider World in the last 30 years and the Historical Rural and Urban Landscapes of England and Wales.
· The pattern and causes of seasonal atmospheric changes.
· Seasonal changes within the tropical regions of Africa with wet and dry seasons and the influence on hydrology and ecology.
· Long term climatic change.
· Changing vegetation and soils in the British Isles.
· The relationship between the global structures and processes of the Earth's surface and the location of tectonic processes and the consequences of such processes.
· Hazards: origin, distribution, frequency, scale, effects, prediction, prevention and responses.
· Competition and conflict over the use of a resource.
· Transnational corporations and the global economy.
· The relationship between international migration and multi cultural societies.
· Development issues within an MEDC or LEDC.
· The extent to which regions of a country are integrated, or subject to separatist pressures.
· The extent to which political power within groups of nations is centralised or decentralised, and the consequences of this.

14.7 Possible Issues and Decision-Making Scenarios Derived from the Specification
· Flood management - arising from 10.1, 11.2, 11.3, 13.1
· Food production and supply - arising from 10.2, 13.1, 13.3
· Sustainability of energy resources - arising from 10.2, 11.3, 13.2
· Tourist management - arising from 10.3, 11.1, 11.2, 12.2, 13.2
· Regional aid and development - arising from 10.3, 12.1, 13.3
· Cultural, social and economic issues at a local scale - arising from 10.3, 12.1, 12.2, 13.2, 13.3
· Conservation and landscape management - arising from 11.3,12.2, 13.1, 13.2
· Disaster and hazard relief- arising from 10.2, 13.1, 13.2
· Transport developments - arising from 10.3, 11.3, 12.1, 12.2, 13.3
· Resolution of political conflicts (local, national and international) - arising from 10.3, 12.1, 13.3.