Problem structuring for transitions: the case of Swiss waste management

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearch

Authors

Transdisciplinarity is considered an appropriate approach in supporting transitions of complex socio-technical systems as such transitions demand highly contextualized real world knowledge and valuations. This holds especially true for the problem identification and structuring (initial) phase of a transition project, which aims at supporting goal formation based on a sound understanding and representation of the system's current state and its dynamics. Throughout this phase, it is important that all relevant perspectives in terms of expertise and interests are considered and adequately fed into a process of knowledge integration. This paper presents in its first part the structuring for complex transitions (SCT) procedure aiming at this requirement. The procedure has been specifically designed for problem structuring in socio-technical systems in the initial phase of a transition project. The results of the procedure provide sound inputs for the next project phases and the transition methods applied therein, but can themselves already be used as fruitful orientations in strategy development. The second part of the paper briefly outlines the application of the SCT procedure to Swiss waste management. This application involved 48 participants who reached consensus on relevant impact factors and developed a shared vision for managing a complex transition process in the area of waste management. The approach is marked by high feasibility and socially robust results.
Original languageEnglish
JournalFutures
Volume41
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)171-181
Number of pages11
ISSN0016-3287
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 04.2009
Externally publishedYes

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. A transfer operator based computational study of mixing processes in open flow systems
  2. Automatic enumeration of all connected subgraphs.
  3. Different complex word problems require different combinations of cognitive skills
  4. Sequencing and fading worked examples and collaboration scripts to foster mathematical argumentation - working memory capacity matters for fading
  5. Constructs for Assessing Integrated Reports-Testing the Predictive Validity of a Taxonomy for Organization Size, Industry, and Performance
  6. Single Robust Proportional-Derivative Control for Friction Compensation in Fast and Precise Motion Systems With Actuator Constraint
  7. Dispatching rule selection with Gaussian processes
  8. Problem structuring for transitions
  9. DialogueMaps: Supporting interactive transdisciplinary dialogues with a web-based tool for multi-layer knowledge maps
  10. The learning net - an interactive representation of shared knowledge
  11. A Control Scheme for PMSMs using Model Predictive Control and a Feedforward Action in the Presence of Saturated Inputs
  12. Energy Optimization in Motion Planning of a Two-Link Manipulator using Bernstein Polynomials
  13. Set oriented approximation of invariant manifolds
  14. Human–learning–machines: introduction to a special section on how cybernetics and constructivism inspired new forms of learning
  15. A sensor fault detection scheme as a functional safety feature for DC-DC converters
  16. Effective informational entropy reduction in multi-robot systems based on real-time TVS
  17. Computational modeling of amorphous polymers
  18. Dynamic Lot Size Optimization with Reinforcement Learning
  19. The delay vector variance method and the recurrence quantification analysis of energy markets
  20. Computing regression statistics from grouped data
  21. Analysis of long-term statistical data of cobalt flows in the EU
  22. Image compression based on periodic principal components
  23. Gaussian processes for dispatching rule selection in production scheduling
  24. Modeling items for text comprehension assessment using confirmatory factor analysis
  25. Digging into the roots
  26. Gain Adaptation in Sliding Mode Control Using Model Predictive Control and Disturbance Compensation with Application to Actuators
  27. Challenge-oriented policy making and innovation systems theory: reconsidering systemic instruments
  28. Mostly harmless econometrics? Statistical paradigms in the ‘top five’ from 2000 to 2018
  29. Faulty Process Detection Using Machine Learning Techniques
  30. Development and evaluation of a training program for dialysis nurses - An intervention study
  31. Extending talk on a prescribed discussion topic in a learner-native speaker eTandem learning task
  32. Quantifying diffuse and point inputs of perfluoroalkyl acids in a nonindustrial river catchment
  33. A Multimethod Latent State-Trait Model for Structurally Different and Interchangeable Methods
  34. Enhanced Calculation Procedures for Material and Energy Flow Oriented EMIS
  35. Guest Editors' Introduction
  36. Towards an open question answering architecture
  37. Knowledge transfer during the integration of knowledge-intensive acquisitions