Colleagues,
You might be interested in the way we are doing "it" here in OZ (well, at
least in my bit of OZ). My PhD is principally in ecological economics with
a focus on finding better ways of developing policy for complex
environmental problems. Since ecological economics embodies the need to be
holistic (i.e. take a systems approach), the SD stuff if highly relevant.
System dynamics, as well as the learning organisation literature, provide
the methodological bases for my work. Our PhD system is such that one
doesnt (necessarily) do course work, but instead undertakes a 3 year
research only program. As part of this, the reading is extensive and can be
very diverse.. Along with my supervisor Roderic Gill and other grad.
students, we develop our understanding of SD interactively through
discussion and demonstration; from the SD Review; and by following and
sometimes participating in the discussions on this listserver.
At the end of the program, I will submit a thesis detailing a systems
approach to environmental policy. Whereas I will not have completed a formal
qualification in SD, I nevertheless expect (hope?) to have developed
appropriate technical competence by the time I finish.
At the end of the day, I will be an ecological economics practitioner whose
toolbox includes, inter alia, System Dynamics methods and software.
Is this a postgraduate degree in SD? Well, clearly not in the "been there,
done that at MIT" sense. However, from a practical viewpoint I will have
developed a substantial understanding of the use of SD in my chosen
profession. So perhaps, this represents a viable alternative model?
regards
John
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John Wolfenden
Management Committee Member,
Integrated Catchment/Watershed Management Seminar/Workshop, September 1997
Centre for Water Policy Research
University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia
Phone 61 67 732420 Fax 61 67 733237 email jwolfend@metz.une.edu.au