ENVR09042 2020 Systems Thinking

Rising global population is putting increased pressure on the Food and Drink sector to produce and deliver healthy food and drink in way which is equitable, environmentally sound and economically viable. This challenge demands us to think holistically, recognising that our food and water supply exists in a complex web of interdependent activities and relationships. In this module students will explore this interconnectivity and understand how to use tools such as Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and systems maps to critically evaluate system patterns and structures. Students will learn how to use systems thinking to tackle challenges and lead sustainable transition within the context of the global food and drink sector.

This comprehensive text provides the latest research on key concepts, principles and practices for promoting healthy and sustainable food systems. There are increasing concerns about the impact of food systems on environmental sustainability and, in turn, the impact of environmental sustainability on the capacity of food systems to protect food and nutrition security into the future. The contributors to this book are leading researchers in the causes of and solutions to these challenges. As international experts in their fields, they provide in-depth analyses of the issues and evidence-informed recommendations for future policies and practices. Starting with an overview of ideas about health, sustainability and equity in relation to food systems, Healthy and Sustainable Food Systems examines what constitutes a food system, with chapters on production, manufacturing, distribution and retail, among others. The text explores health and sustainable diets, looking at issues such as overconsumption and waste. The book ends with discussions about the politics, policy, personal behaviours and advocacy behind creating healthy and sustainable food systems. With a food systems approach to health and sustainability identified as a priority area for public health, this text introduces core knowledge for students, academics, practitioners and policy-makers from a range of disciplines including food and nutrition sciences, dietetics, public health, public policy, medicine, health science and environmental science.

The world has become increasingly networked and unpredictable. Decision makers at all levels are required to manage the consequences of complexity every day. They must deal with problems that arise unexpectedly, generate uncertainty, are characterised by interconnectivity, and spread across traditional boundaries. Simple solutions to complex problems are usually inadequate and risk exacerbating the original issues. Leaders of international bodies such as the UN, OECD, UNESCO and WHO and of major business, public sector, charitable, and professional organizations have all declared that systems thinking is an essential leadership skill for managing the complexity of the economic, social and environmental issues that confront decision makers. Systems thinking must be implemented more generally, and on a wider scale, to address these issues. An evaluation of different systems methodologies suggests that they concentrate on different aspects of complexity. To be in the best position to deal with complexity, decision makers must understand the strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches and learn how to employ them in combination. This is called critical systems thinking. Making use of over 25 case studies, the book offers an account of the development of systems thinking and of major efforts to apply the approach in real-world interventions. Further, it encourages the widespread use of critical systems practice as a means of ensuring responsible leadership in a complex world. Comments on a previous version of the book: Russ Ackoff: the book is the best overview of the field I have seen JP van Gigch: Jackson does a masterful job. The book is lucid ...well written and eminently readable Professional Manager (Journal of the Chartered Management Institute): Provides an excellent guide and introduction to systems thinking for students of management

What do Brazil's top beauty brand, America's second-fastest-growing restaurant chain, and the world's third bestselling car have in common? They are shattering the myth that acting sustainably and building a billion-dollar business are mutually exclusive. Green Giants examines nine companies that are merging social responsibility with wild profitability-and reveals the six factors responsible for their success, including: Iconoclastic Leadership fueled by deep conviction and a rebellious streak * Disruptive Innovation that uses sustainability to spur the development of radically better products and services * A Higher Purpose that ignites the company-when the mission leads, profits follow * Mainstream Appeal with positioning and packaging stripped of the crunchy clich's that alienate the average customer. This new breed of billion-dollar businesses proves it's possible to achieve enormous success while implementing sustainable principles that help consumers live better lives. Ranging from start-ups to business lines incubated within major multinationals, these companies collectively represent over $60 billion in revenue. What's more-many command wider profit margins and are growing faster than their conventional counterparts. Packed with eye-opening research, exclusive interviews, and enlightening examples from Chipotle, Toyota, Unilever, Tesla, General Electric, and more, Green Giants serves as a blueprint for sustainable success that anyone can follow.

See module Moodle page for details.

See module Moodle page for details.

See module Moodle page for details.

See module Moodle page for details.