Testing the potential of system dynamics models for improving public participation in resource management

This thesis describes and discusses research which proposes that a system dynamics based-workshop can promote meaningful public participation in the resource management decision making process. The research tested the effectiveness of a system dynamics computer model for: (1) improving communication about technical data and stakeholder views; (2) increasing learning and insight into resource management issues; and (3) enhancing public trust in the decision making process. Seven research workshops were conducted to test the effectiveness of the model-based workshop for facilitating public participation in the management of the Las Vegas, NV water system. Workshop analysis showed that the system dynamics-based approach aided the workshop process. This thesis describes criteria for meaningful participation and the use of system dynamics for satisfying that criteria, development of the model and research workshops, data analysis, and the results and discussion of that analysis.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Water Resource Management

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Cloud, Sarah Williams

Contributors dc:contributor

• Krystyna Stave

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/1278

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-2277