Mediated modeling is an innovative new approach that enhances the use of computer models as invaluable tools to guide policy and management decisions. Rather than having outside experts dispensing answers to local stakeholders, mediated modeling brings together diverse interests to raise the shared level of understanding and foster a broad and deep consensus. It provides a structured process based on system dynamics thinking in which community members, government officials, industry representatives, and other stakeholders can work together to produce a coherent, simple but elegant simulation model. Mediated Modeling by Marjan Van Den Belt is a practical guide to participatory modeling for both practitioners and students, one that is firmly theoretically grounded in the field of systems dynamics and environmental modeling. Five in-depth case studies describe the successful use of the technique in a variety of settings, and a final chapter synthesizes the lessons highlighted by the case studies. Mediated Modeling's step-by-step description of the techniques and practical advice regarding implementation offer a real-world solution for all those seeking to make sound decisions about the environment.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. The Role of Mediated Modeling Chapter 3. The Mediated Modeling Process Chapter 4. Conducting a Mediated Modeling Process Chapter 5. Decision Support for Watershed Management in the Upper Fox River Basin, Wisconsin, U.S.A. Chapter 6. Using Mediated Modeling to Facilitate Collaborative Learning Among Residents of the San Antonio Watershed, Texas, U.S.A. Chapter 7. Future Planning. Banff National Park Chapter 8. Sage Grouse Populations in Southeastern Idaho, U.S.A.. Effect of Sheep Grazing and Fire Chapter 9. Decision Support in Coastal Zone Management in the Ria Formosa, Portugal Chapter 10. Lessons Learned
Appendix 1. Comparison of the Case Studies Appendix 2. Contact Information; System Dynamics Modeling Software Appendix 3. Ranked Participant Statements from the Upper Fox ""After"" Questionnaire Appendix 4. Full Answers to the Upper Fox ""After"" Survey Appendix 5. Participant Rating of Upper Fox Model Parameters Appendix 6. The Ria Formosa Model. Structure and Equations Appendix 7. Participant Rating of Ria Formosa Model Parameters Appendix 8. Assumptions for Banff-Bow Valley Futures Model Indicators Appendix 9. Symbol Definition and Mathematical Algorithms for All Model Components in the Banff-Bow Valley Study Futures Model Appendix 10. An Example to Illustrate the Software Appendix 11. R-squared Template References About the Author Index
