Iain Davidson
Scot living in Lancashire. Chartered Surveyor, housebuilder, development finance. Dad of 2 adults way smarter than I am. Want to learn more about history, management, residential care & technology
Location United Kingdom
Achievements
Activity
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Iain Davidson replied to Iain Davidson
You too Tim. I’ve really appreciated your input and responses, its made the course for me picking up on your and others’ comments.
Best wishes for your recovery and maybe our paths will cross on other courses. All the best!!
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I think if SDG16 could be achieved worldwide, we could realise a period of world stability that would allow investment in people, places and the environment instead of weapons
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Very surprising facts and not in a good way
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Iain Davidson made a comment
This is my 6th FutureLearn course and am looking forward to continuing my learning
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Iain Davidson made a comment
My views are certainly now informed and I have given myself an almighty challenge coming on this course. I thought I would simply learn but I now feel energised to understand more the complexity of inter connected issues such as farming, water conservation and how the micro affects the macro.
We will never tackle the macro issues of SDGs unless we...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Something else to investigate and understand. Boy, this course has many questions as well as answers, lots of challenging and thought provoking issues!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I can’t comment on legal rights but rivers need protection, our protection and if that means giving them the legal rights of a person then so be it. The connection between indigenous peoples and the environment is much greater so their connection will be different from mine but I hope our desire to keep them clean, viable, sustainable and healthy for all...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
We must learn to adapt and change our ‘habits’ as soon as we realise there are more environmentally friendly, sustainable and locally sourced ways to do so. We must challenge ourselves to meet the SDGs whatever that takes or get as close as we humanly can.
I studied the Tennessee River Valley Project at school and have been fascinated by waterways and...
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The video is an eye opener and the best advert for organic and responsible farming.
We need dairy farming but it needs to be sustainable. As we learn more, we need to be quicker to change and adapt
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Iain Davidson made a comment
My life in rural Lancashire is surrounded by dairy farmers. We buy our milk direct from the farm, we walk the paths through fields and adjacent to many. Life is tough for most, profits are minimal, costs are rising and yet UK consumers demand lower prices, convenience and many have little understanding of food to fork logistics.
A recent episode of...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Statoil Deep Sea Oil Drilling, Aotearoa/New Zealand
As this course is NZ sponsored, I thought I should learn more about your local issues and I have therefore investigated the above.
The land grab to take foreshore and subsea rights to the Government seems like a wholesale removal of any indigenous rights without reference, compensation or view to...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think we are only beginning to understand the full impact of colonisation and its effect on indigenous peoples, their (and our) environment. Only now do I see a move towards accepting that reconciliation is more than an apology for deeds past.
A partnership is needed that returns lands, employs local people as rightful custodians and works in tandem for...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Thank you for being a custodian of our environment, its a privilege to hear from you Dr Ringham
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I believe its a partnership. The best Companies will lead the revolution, some will need to be dragged there but we can’t wait on someone else starting it, we should work together to make whatever changes we can
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Universities are curious in that they are in many cases old institutions in historic buildings yet they cradle new technology and are at the forefront of advancement and critical thinking.
It is unreasonable to assume they could modernise overnight but their input will be vital to understanding the issues, assessing our options, creating test projects and...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think we need to keep the conversation going with regards carbon farming as by trying to do something we will find a way to a better outcome. In truth all this carbon offsetting and farming is still in relative infancy and doing something is better than nothing, albeit we need to make progress and be constantly alert to better methods
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Offsetting gives Companies the chance and the choice to do good so as long as its genuine and not virtue signalling, I think it can be a win win if environmental projects are effectively privately funded without the need to tax or government intervention.
Certification of such projects is key so that we back the correct ones
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Yesterday, the UK’s electricity was 99% supplied by non fossil fuel sources. We have finally taken things seriously and 69% of that was wind power. Whilst some declare turbines ugly and consider them landscape polluters, we can’t have everything and I think its testament to years of investment that we are now making serious inroads to reducing our carbon...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I probably need to go more vegetarian but fairly pleased with the rest of the results
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Sounds a lot like Newton’s third law - for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If it was easy, we would have solved it by now!!
Looking forward to our final week.
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Urban areas are dynamic, ever changing places but ones where everyone should feel safe and be part of a healthy organism. As much as we have highlighted areas for massive improvement, small changes add up and we must strive to be better, inclusive and sustainable.
I’ve enjoyed this week’s challenges and hope that I can improve my own contribution as a result
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I’m originally from Glasgow and many city statues are now discovered to be colonists or connected to the transatlantic slave trade. Whilst this has created awkward discussions recently, these need to be had so we understand why and how they were placed where they are.
It is only right that we revise, review and remove or replace where our discussions lead...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I strongly support the rights of all to be firstly equal but also safe. However, we live in a world where differences still give rise to discrimination, intolerance and hatred. Education and positive community policing will help.
We have made improvements in the UK but we need to make so many more. Local policing needs to allow everyone to walk home...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
It would be nice if we could reach gender equity but given the centuries taken to achieve male/female equality, I would settle for a binary agreement today from which we can achieve gender equity for all shortly thereafter.
I may be wrong but I think if we aim for gender equity, we’ll consign women the world over to a status that remains lower than men. If...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
It is sad to see how much the US decision to reverse Roe v Wade brings that country closer to the Taliban than it does to the remainder of the developed world.
I don’t post to be controversial but academics the world over must be clasping their heads in their hands at this destruction of women’s rights, at the heart of the ‘free world’ capital.
Much of...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think getting binary equality immediately is important so that we have a base from which to build universal equality. It has taken so long to get to this point of emancipation that we need to be careful we don’t snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
We should all be equal, we should be equal regardless of race, gender and belief. If we can achieve...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I live in a rural area where fruit and veg is abundant and so home grown is not really useful. I have an open space opposite my house where every year we plant wildflower seeds to attract bees and other insects which help with pollination in the hope that we can make our local more robust to change.
A redundant verge now has great colour, we have a healthy...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Really interesting, great that slow and small can be used worldwide, in every little yard or garden if we apply ourselves
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Iain Davidson replied to Tim Traynor
that's amazing, how wonderful is that?
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Iain Davidson made a comment
No food pantries as we live in an area of reasonable employment prospects and yet theft is prevalent so there is a lack of trust that would perhaps undermine a pantry?? Maybe I should try to set one up?
Food banks are well used though, especially by low income, larger families, where pressure to keep school age children fed and energised is high
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Iain Davidson made a comment
The refrigeration chemicals answer really shocked me, like Rebecca I thought these were much more sophisticated nowadays
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Iain Davidson made a comment
This has opened a very interesting subject which I intend continuing to investigate long after I have completed the course. Fabulous work being done and although much, much more still needs to be done, its a very inspiring topic
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Unfortunately we live in an imperfect world where some who do not need will take from those who do and so some proof of need is understandable to prevent food fraud, however unpalatable that may sound.
It’s the stigma we need to remove.
Food pantries are a very immediate neighbourhood oriented initiative whereas food banks clearly provide a full service...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think its both.
Government needs to find ways to improve housing, education, health and reduce unemployment, as well as spend taxes wisely for the benefit of its people. Full employment or as close to, gives revenue to improve the lives of those who have least. Benefits help bridge gaps but are not a long term solution except to those who are unable to...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
In my opinion, the sharing of knowledge, science and creation of safe areas where international assistance via the UN can create local farms in poor, rural communities should be a priority. UN monies need investing in sustainable water availability to make long term changes in Africa, Asia and South America where the bulk of food poverty exists.
Local...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I believe we are at a watershed moment where we no longer revere those colonial statues but at least understand their provenance. Without necessarily destroying them, we can at least begin to replace them with more worthy champions of society, from all walks of life and use them and their replacements to teach the next generations about their cities, their...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I bang on about personal responsibility and my family are probably sick listening to me but home is where that all starts. Take care of your own yard, garden, car, food, waste, mileage and by setting an example and talking gently to others about what you do, not what they should do, allows you to become a small role model within your community.
Street by...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
As a housing professional, it easy to remember the warm, dry and affordable elements of housing and hear others talk and understand what to me is a basic human right. It was lovely to hear Dr Morrison add accessibility to those points as this is the one element that most forget.
Here in the UK, Building Regulations were changed many years ago and Part M...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Education, employment, understanding and a reappraisal of our own values and outlook. We all have something to offer and we should be keen to offer opportunities for everyone.
My wife’s uncle was a plastic surgeon who treated many craniofacial disfigurement patients. He would travel with them in lifts and through hospitals and when anyone stared at the...
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Iain Davidson replied to Tim Traynor
That’s a very positive outlook Tim, inspiring!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Awareness and action as you remember are important as this isn’t a ‘fad’ its about building and reprogramming your own behaviour. It will take time and like losing weight, its a long term project, not a quick fix diet.
I believe we in our home are getting better gradually and whilst we try to accelerate, we have to be mindful that we’re not perfect. ...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
We have bought fresh fruit and vegetables for the last few years to buy only what we need for the two of us and cook as much as we can and freeze to eat later. It’s a small step but feels we are doing what we can to stop some of the food waste.
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Unfortunately the exercises wouldn’t load on my device - disappointed!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
There is a lack of personal responsibility in the developed world and the levels of self entitlement are higher than ever. Street litter is inexcusable yet is on the rise, its always someone else’s responsibility to clean up after the self entitled. Until governments tackle this through education and dissuasion and until role models pick up the baton, this...
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I agree Ethne, only by taking personal responsibility and leading by local example can we create a seismic change in behaviour. We can’t wait for instructions, we need to act ourselves
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Iain Davidson made a comment
We have to think smarter, harder, more local and reduce waste as a high priority
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Important that we can all play a part, starting from basics and building our actions from simple beginnings
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Week 1 has made me more introspective than I expected but in a good way.
I was not aware of the individual SDGs which is why I joined the course, I believe I need to be educated on the SDGs, their scope, targeting and implementation. I want to be aware and have enjoyed week 1
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Time can only be a healer if we educate ourselves. Morals, rights, equality and history show us such treaties were in favour of the invader. Time to rip it up, renegotiate with today’s standards and leave room to adapt and improve again in the future.
Only by accepting our past, colonial or otherwise, do we grow, improve and truly create a safe space for...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Couldn’t sign up but have posted anonymously
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Iain Davidson made a comment
We in the West particularly assume technological advances are good and we ignore those whose inherent knowledge is about conservation, take only what you need, preserve for the future. Industrial development has been about what we can have now, with little or no regard for tomorrow.
In any case, we are all people so why should indigenous cultures have any...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Only by understanding diverse cultures do we truly see the light and dark in our own. No-one has a monopoly on good ideas, morality, equality, education or spatial understanding.
In a world that has become hurried, complex and wasteful, it is surely by coming together to understand and discuss our differences, that we will prevent hatred, misunderstanding...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I like that the author accepted the goals should remain. He is right to question their morality and whether they are equitable but his willingness to progress is the most important.
The World is full of clever people with different backgrounds, specialisms and interests. It is therefore encouraging that the SDGs are diverse. I don’t think we should...
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Iain Davidson replied to Tim Traynor
Hi Tim
I think you have summarised the situation perfectly, I agree completely
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think all SDGs are equally important as when linked, they form a chain through our global issues. Without warm, dry, affordable homes, education and work become difficult. Without these, poverty & hunger are almost guaranteed. Without growth, construction of these homes is less possible. But this growth needs to be sustainable, balanced worldwide and not...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
SDGs need to be ambitious as world initiatives tend to be slow to gather speed in my opinion. If we are very but not overly ambitious (I know, difficult to judge!) we can scare the big economies to take action and let the poorer and less developed nations see we are serious.
The big players need to take big action quickly and create the momentum - this...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Looking forward to it
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Iain Davidson made a comment
As I am from the UK, I have much to learn about the shadow of colonisation undertaken over centuries by our country. A very long course all of its own I suspect. All I can do is read, listen and learn from others and hopefully begin to understand the global but more importantly, local impact of empire and colonisation.
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Hi I’m Iain from Lancashire UK. I’m a Chartered Surveyor specialising in residential development, looking to create more houses for a growing population but from existing buildings, repurposed sustainably, ethically sourced, financed through joint venture projects and with the lowest possible energy and impact footprint possible.
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Iain Davidson made a comment
..and how do we influence the influencers? The politicians, the media, professional organisations, Local Authorities. How do our actions persuade them to make sustainability a top priority in their agenda? How can we make the future better by our own better behaviour? How do we and our neighbours learn to improve ourselves through collaborative learning,...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Hi I’m Iain from Lancashire UK. I’m a Chartered Surveyor specialising in residential development, looking to create more houses for a growing population but from existing buildings, repurposed sustainably, ethically sourced, financed through joint venture projects and with the lowest possible energy and impact footprint possible.
Looking forward to the...
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Like all management tools, risk management needs to be applied often, consistently and diligently to work well, and long term, not just for short term issues
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I would imagine that taking a hedge on currency and options on raw materials that require to be imported would be two of the major considerations
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Very succinctly put, thank you
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Iain Davidson made a comment
The assumption that stock ownership means all managers take more risks is flawed. Ownership brings responsibilities and staff (those taking more than a very short term view) will consider long term stability as, if not more important than, profit. This is a more nuanced situation than is perhaps suggested
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Currently 40 years in the UK.
Very interesting graph
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Consumer credit needs to be regulated within each economy to prevent demand outstripping supply, prices rising and then over correcting when the credit is used up and demand falls like a stone
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Iain Davidson made a comment
An excellent summary
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Iain Davidson made a comment
A very easy explanation as to the rationale behind option premium pricing
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Iain Davidson made a comment
The ability to trade and not be in a fixed contract will have greater appeal to investors rather than sellers or end users
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Iain Davidson made a comment
All commodities and presumably raw materials such as ores, fossil fuels can be suitable for forward contracts as well as foodstuffs
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I now understand better, the term ‘casino banking’
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I have long wondered how futures, options and derivatives work so am looking forward to this week
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Iain Davidson made a comment
A very interesting week, I learned a great deal - thank you!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I think that all depends on how much investment is placed by individual investors and how much is placed on their behalf by mutual funds
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Very interesting video
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I considered Nestle to be defensive and at a beta of 0.58, that seems a fair assumption
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I find that interesting because apple & microsoft are competitors and in theory intel supply components in that industry so there is correlation.
With the oil and rail example and the correlation slightly different between the rail Co and the two oil companies, it may suggest a closer tie between Union Pacific and occidental that may sway judgement on your...
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I would go for ice cream and raincoats on the basis that people buy raincoats even in good weather :)
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Iain Davidson made a comment
You would invest in both knowing that Mondelez can probably be liquidated more easily with less likelihood of loss and that Tesla is a longer investment play
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Iain Davidson made a comment
The institution issuing the security, their history and past returns, the sector and predicted futures of both
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Iain Davidson made a comment
A balanced portfolio is always a measured risk to give you the best risk management profile
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Very succinct and useful video presentation
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Less than $980
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Banks are still necessary as they are regulated by Governments, worked to not only laws but civilised codes of conduct and ensure money supply within every economy. For all the different regimes that exist around the World, Banks offer a glimpse of regularity within the global economy that eases trade, offers consistency and stability
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Excellent glossary
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I would also suggest that experienced investors, who have more exposure to risk, have a greater understanding of what their risk actually is and so invest accordingly. Inexperienced investors, stereotypically, have a greater aversion to risk although their lack of knowledge may lead them to assess risk poorly.
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Hi, I work for a Bridging Lender on the portfolio management team and want to learn more about the Financial Sector at a Macro level. I spend most of my time in the minutiae (my professional background is Surveying & Construction) and I want to understand some of the high level elements starting with Risk
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Iain Davidson made a comment
An excellent course which has sharpened my senses to the need for vigilance at home and at work. Thanks to all the contributors, presenters and to my fellow students for their insights which all added to the learning process. Very worthwhile!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
These are excellent toolkits and a point of reference for any investigation
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Iain Davidson made a comment
My concern is how to judge at what point to ‘pounce’. Too early and you blow the chance to gather vital evidence, too late and the criminal is long gone with the loot. Knife edge balance?
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Iain Davidson made a comment
The need for meticulous note taking is being reinforced lesson by lesson
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Iain Davidson made a comment
It strikes me that the Investigator will need to be an excellent plate spinner as there is much to do on only one investigation!!
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Iain Davidson made a comment
It is clear that the Investigator must be dispassionate, single minded and thoroughly open minded
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Excellent guide
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Again, succinct and yet detailed
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Iain Davidson made a comment
A good exercise - easy to put online for people to test themselves
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Iain Davidson made a comment
I agree with others, Take 5 & The Little Book of Big Scams should be rolled out nationwide, so much resource here that could be at everyone’s fingertips
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Iain Davidson made a comment
Detail is the key. Meticulous record taking and tight procedural control to ensure any future action is neither compromised nor any legal action damaged by lack of attention to intelligence gathering, observation, notes etc
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It’s really important to get the Police and other authorities involved as soon as Fraud is detected/suspected
