Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit integrates 'systems thinking' with policy analysis to help students and managers understand and deal with policy design within complex systems such as modern organisations or the global climate system. Operating as an experiential learning environment, students will engage in policy modelling and analysis of the sustainability impacts of policy directions. A variety of public policy issues including issues and problems at a global level including climate and population challenges, urban dynamics involved in sustainable cities, dynamics of the health system as a wellness system, including medical workforce dynamics and patient care, and environmental dynamics surrounding issues such as water management and species maintenance such as fish-stocks and regulatory dynamics. Embracing contemporary systems mapping, modelling, simulation and analysis techniques, students will be able to conduct their own policy formulation and evaluation experiments to anticipate their viability and sustainability outcomes in complex dynamic systems, identify leverage points for improving policy outcomes.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. describe Systems Thinking as a generic set of 'new' skills for reframing and understanding complex policy issues spanning social, organisational and natural systems
2. develop competence in a range of the essential principles, tools and methods of systems thinking as applied to policy for sustainability outcomes
3. apply the systems thinking tools and methods in a structured methodology including systems mapping, modelling and simulation to generate insights and understanding of the implications of policy decisions as applied to contemporary societal challenges from a sustainability perspective.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Peter Gahan

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prohibitions

MGX1400