Professionals in the environmental domain require cognitive interdisciplinary skills to be able to develop sustainable solutions to environmental problems. We demonstrate that education in environmental systems analysis allows for the development of these skills. We identify three components of cognitive interdisciplinary skills: (1) the ability…

This study investigates the use of using complexity theory--the study of nonlinear dynamical systems of which chaos and catastrophe theory are subsets--in the analysis of a non temporal data set to derive valuable insights into the functioning of university schools of business. The approach is unusual in that studies of nonlinearity in complex…

Engineering students are taught to approach the identification and solution of problems through design education, systems analysis, and other methods. These methodologies are applicable to other disciplines in relating problem solving to real world situations. (SK)

Provides historical perspectives on preservation of records and highlights needs in library preservation, including a systems or engineering approach to conservation problem solving. Current educational efforts of Library of Congress and United States library schools such as School of Library Service at Columbia University are outlined. Two…

Elements of systems theory are discussed, including reasons for their appeal to social workers and dangers of uncritical application. Emphasized are the issue of analogies in theory building and systems theory implications for dealing with macrosocial phenomena, social change, and power. (Author/LBH)

Presented is an analysis of think-aloud protocols of graduate students solving several different tasks in organic chemistry. The systems used by these subjects were classified. It was reported that the methodological system was most often used. (CW)

A new technique, systems intervention, designed to deal with problems of needed change in complex organizational settings is described and its use reported in a case study of the relationships between Tufts University School of Medicine and its associated hospitals. The process combines system analysis and behavioral science techniques.…

Describes an approach to problem solving based on real-world problems. Discusses problem analysis and definitions, preparation of briefing documents, solution finding techniques (brainstorming and synectics), solution evaluation and judgment, and implementation. (JM)

From a system dynamics perspective, distinctions between organizations and their environments are not objective givens, but hypothetical formulations. Wherever a reciprocal effect of variables is hypothesized, these variables are considered to be inside a single problem system. Everything outside this model system is the environment. To…

This university level course in economic geography emphasizes the need for control of the spatial allocation of our resources, and strives for heightened student awareness of the world as a complex. It may thus be considered an introduction to geocybernetics, the study of man/machine relationships in the control of spatial organization. A systems…

A graduate distance course on Information Systems Analysis and Design was designed and delivered under the guidance of the following four philosophies: (1) an effective education is a learner-centered education; (2) distance students are more likely to experience situated learning and problem-based learning; (3) enforced learning should enable…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…