From Book News, Inc.
This textbook for a two-semester undergraduate course introduces the use of system dynamics models to understand and manage environmental systems. Covers simulating material flow, building and testing models, simulating cyclical systems, and management flight simulators. Book News, Inc.®, Portland, OR


Book Description

Modeling the Environment is the first introductory textbook for a technique of rapidly growing importance. It requires little or no mathematical background, and is appropriate for undergraduate environmental students as well as professionals new to modelling. Developed from the author's own introductory course, it is classroom-tested and represents an important contribution to the field of system dynamics.

Modeling techniques that allow managers and researchers to see in advance the consequences of actions and policies are becoming increasingly important to environmental management. The models produced are vital analytical tools that aid the policy-setting and implementation process, and help us to understand how environmental systems respond to management interventions.

Modeling the Environment is a basic introduction to one of the most widely known and used modeling techniques, system dynamics. The book is designed to build the skills of students as they progress from learning fundamental ideas to constructing models of increasing complexity. Written in a clear and comprehensible style, the book: presents basic concepts of modeling using system dynamics illustrates the mechanics of model construction through a range of working models offers a rich array of exercises for students to use in applying the principles and techniques described in the text walks students through the design and application of models of specific types of environmental systems.

In addition, the book contains more than 300 figures and model illustrations, and provides a guide to an interactive website where students can use the text to "navigate" management flight simulators ? models of both real and hypothetical systems developed by the author. The book also contains appendixes that help students review the necessary math, and which provide additional concepts and exercises for further study.


Book Info
A basic introduction to one of the most widely known and used modeling techniques, system dynamics. Presents basic concepts of modeling using system dynamics and illustrates the mechanics of model construction through a range of working models.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Modeling techniques that allow managers and researchers to see in advance the consequences of actions and policies are becoming increasingly important to environmental management. Modeling the Environment is a basic introduction to one of the most widely known and used modeling techniques, system dynamics. Modeling the Environment requires little or no mathematical background and is appropriate for undergraduate environmental students as well as professionals new to modeling.

FROM THE CRITICS

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