What you will study
This online module will provide an introduction to ways in which human-environmental systems are perceived, understood and managed by looking at them from a variety of perspectives, in order to develop awareness of more sustainable practices. The module uses systems concepts and techniques to introduce you to ideas and practices of conventional and innovative approaches to environmental management. The module introduces a non-prescriptive framework for environmental management with the following linked ‘learning cycle’ stages:
- Reflecting – on a variety of environmental management situations
- Connecting – our perspectives and ideas regarding different aspects of situations
- Modelling – situations using a variety of conventional and innovative tools and techniques
- Action – taking action to improve the situation.
These stages are explored in relation to a number of different environmental management situations with a particular focus on energy use in the home; the life cycle of information technologies in organisations; and in use of indicators to manage a natural resource such as water by communities. The module provides an introduction to aspects of some conventional techniques and approaches (e.g. sustainability indicators; life cycle analysis; sustainability assessments). Some core, innovative systems thinking and practice skills, including systems diagramming, will be introduced and used to expand your understanding of environmental management concepts and approaches.
The module is presented online in three blocks.
Block 1 – Environmental management in domestic contexts
The module begins by introducing key aims and presenting an overview of the concepts and practices of environmental management to be explored at the level of the individual. You will learn about environmental management in the context of your home, focusing on energy use. You will be introduced to systems tools to enable you to understand environmental situations and explore interactions between different parts of a system.
Block 2 – Environmental management in organisations
This block introduces environmental management within organisational contexts. You will explore how organisations manage their environmental impacts by concentrating on the life cycle of computing equipment and transport planning. You will learn about and use some systems ideas to expand your analysis and understanding of conventional practices for environmental management.
Block 3 – Environmental management for groups and communities
In the third block you will explore environmental management issues and approaches at the level of the group or community. The block focuses on water management in order to explore the range of stakeholders and diversity of perspectives within groups and communities. You will engage with other students in group work to review and make sense of a challenging case study. This will include assessing the role of environmental indicators, using systems techniques to develop scenarios and reviewing stakeholder engagement processes.
For the module as a whole, there are associated readings, activities and audio and video resources. The module draws on a range of international examples to explore approaches to environmental management in different contexts and situations.
You will learn
By the end of this module you will be able to understand and describe:
- the relationship between environmental management and sustainable development
- the ways in which environmental management is framed and its implications for environmental management at domestic, organisational and community levels
- a range of conventional concepts, approaches and techniques for environmental management
- a range of systems concepts and techniques for use with complex environmental situations.
You will also be able to demonstrate the:
- ability to engage with and analyse a range of complex environmental management situations
- application of appropriate tools and techniques including use of systems diagramming and modelling
- analysis of multiple perspectives of different stakeholders
- ability to report on an environmental situation and make initial recommendations
- ability to work collaboratively as part of a group
- critical awareness of conventional and systems approaches to environmental management.
You will find the module useful if you are, or want to be, engaged in environmental management within an organisation, consultancy or a local community. Studying this module can also benefit you in your home, work, or community as it will help you understand and use some conventional ideas and practices for environmental management in a range of situations. In addition, the module will extend your knowledge and practical skills by introducing innovative systems approaches to environmental management.