Policy Analysis and Design in Local Public Management: A System Dynamics Approach

The purpose of this article is to draw lessons for transdisciplinary modelling endeavours in social contexts. The chosen approach is to explore a research project that was part of the Swiss National Science Foundation’s ‘Swiss Priority Programme Environment’ (SPPE). The project focused on ecological issues and was realised in collaboration with local actors from a Swiss municipality. The case study design is used to analyse methodological issues related to the study of complex dynamic challenges. For example, for the purpose of policy design and learning, pertinent examples of the roles of heuristic frameworks and of simulation models are examined. Another challenge is to involve problem owners in the inquiry process. Furthermore, the transdisciplinary approach, in order to gain a better understanding, is addressed. These issues will be illustrated by means of system dynamics modelling and analysis of current challenges in the realm of solid waste management. Finally, the chapter makes several recommendations to researchers who want to investigate multifaceted, dynamically complex issues together with practitioners.

[1]  R. Kaufmann-Hayoz.  Human action in context. A model framework for interdisciplinary studies in view of sustainable development , 2006 .

[2]  John D. Sterman,et al.  System Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World , 2002 .

[3]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Scripts for group model building , 1997 .

[4]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling with DYNAMO , 1981 .

[5]  Heinz Gutscher,et al.  Changing Things — Moving People , 2001 .

[6]  W. Ashby,et al.  An Introduction to Cybernetics , 1957 .

[7]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Financing a competitive recycling initiative in Switzerland , 2007 .

[8]  Simon Peck,et al.  Group Model Building: Facilitating Team Learning Using System Dynamics , 1996, J. Oper. Res. Soc..

[9]  Markus Schwaninger,et al.  Theory-Building with System Dynamics: Principles and Practices , 2005, EUROCAST.

[10]  Etiënne A. J. A. Rouwette,et al.  Group Model Building , 2020, System Dynamics.

[11]  Ruth Kaufmann-Hayoz,et al.  Changing things - moving people : strategies for promoting sustainable development at the local level , 2001 .

[12]  Silvia Ulli-Beer,et al.  A Typology of Tools for Building Sustainability Strategies , 2001 .

[13]  Markus Schwaninger,et al.  Integrative systems methodology: Heuristic for requisite variety , 1997 .

[14]  Donald A. Schön,et al.  Organizational Learning II: Theory, Method, and Practice , 1995 .

[15]  Silvia Ulli-Beer,et al.  Citizens' Choice and Public Policy: A System Dynamics Model for Recycling Management at the Local Level , 2006 .

[16]  A. Grössler,et al.  Proceedings of the 24th International Conference of the System Dynamics Society , 2006 .

[17]  George P. Richardson,et al.  Using simulation models to address “what if” questions about welfare reform , 2004 .

[18]  Yaman Barlas,et al.  Formal aspects of model validity and validation in system dynamics , 1996 .

[19]  Stafford Beer,et al.  The Viable System Model : its provenance , development , methodology and pathology * Stafford Beer = President of the World Organization for Systems and Cybernetics , 2000 .

[20]  J. Sterman.  Business Dynamics , 2000 .

[21]  Stefan N. Grösser,et al.  Understanding and Accelerating the Diffusion Process of Energy-Efficient Buildings: Introducing an Action Science Venture , 2006 .