Mediated Modeling
A System Dynamics Approach To Environmental Consensus Building
Mediated modeling is an innovative new approach that enhances the use of computer models as invaluable tools to guide policy and management decisions. Rather than having outside experts dispensing answers to local stakeholders, mediated modeling brings together diverse interests to raise the shared level of understanding and foster a broad and
deep consensus. It provides a structured process based on system dynamics thinking in which community members, government officials, industry representatives, and other stakeholders can work together to produce a coherent, simple but elegant simulation model.
Mediated Modeling by Marjan Van Den Belt is a practical guide to participatory modeling for both practitioners and students, one that is firmly theoretically grounded in the field of systems dynamics and environmental modeling. Five in-depth case studies describe the successful use of the technique in a variety of settings, and a final chapter synthesizes the lessons highlighted by the case studies.
Mediated Modeling's step-by-step description of the techniques and practical advice regarding implementation offer a real-world solution for all those seeking to make sound decisions about the environment.
Contents
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. The Role of Mediated Modeling
Chapter 3. The Mediated Modeling Process
Chapter 4. Conducting a Mediated Modeling Process
Chapter 5. Decision Support for Watershed Management in the Upper Fox
River Basin, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
Chapter 6. Using Mediated Modeling to Facilitate Collaborative Learning
Among Residents of the San Antonio Watershed, Texas, U.S.A.
Chapter 7. Future Planning. Banff National Park
Chapter 8. Sage Grouse Populations in Southeastern Idaho, U.S.A..
Effect of Sheep Grazing and Fire
Chapter 9. Decision Support in Coastal Zone Management in the Ria
Formosa, Portugal
Chapter 10. Lessons Learned
Appendix 1. Comparison of the Case Studies
Appendix 2. Contact Information; System Dynamics Modeling
Software
Appendix 3. Ranked Participant Statements from the Upper Fox
“After” Questionnaire
Appendix 4. Full Answers to the Upper Fox “After”
Survey
Appendix 5. Participant Rating of Upper Fox Model Parameters
Appendix 6. The Ria Formosa Model. Structure and Equations
Appendix 7. Participant Rating of Ria Formosa Model Parameters
Appendix 8. Assumptions for Banff-Bow Valley Futures Model Indicators
Appendix 9. Symbol Definition and Mathematical Algorithms for All Model
Components in the Banff–Bow Valley Study Futures Model
Appendix 10. An Example to Illustrate the Software
Appendix 11. R-squared Template
References
About the Author
Contributors
Index
You may purchase this title at fine bookstores across the United States. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.
