AGRI302069 System analysis and scenario technique - methods and practises (in Eng.)

Art
Seminar
Semesterstunden
3
Vortragende/r (Mitwirkende/r)
Diez Sanjuan, Lucia
Organisation
Ökologischen Landbau
Angeboten im Semester
Wintersemester 2025/26
Unterrichts-/ Lehrsprachen
Englisch
Lehrinhalt

This seminar introduces students to the key concepts and tools of systems theory as both a worldview and as an approach to learning and problem solving. The context for this seminar is organic agri-food systems, specifically their on-going need to adapt to and change with their environment including the dominant conventional agri-food systems.

We approach this subject by applying systems theory to a real world problematic situation, that may involve collaboration with external organisations. Through interviews and other qualitative social science methods the specific problematic situation will be described and analysed by teams of up to 5 students using key systems tools and possible solutions explored using scenario techniques.

Each student must read the required readings and attend the classes/ provide a valid reason for not attending.


The block course will consist of presentations by the lecturers, individual and group work, and group and plenary discussions covering the concepts and methods for working systemically. Some of the seminar sessions will be used for group work, with the support of the lecturer.

Finally, there will be presentations of the team project for the seminar, collaborating institutions and interested guests. There will be time after the presentations for discussions and questions in the style of a conference poster session.
Inhaltliche Voraussetzungen (erwartete Kenntnisse)

Some knowledge of organic agro-food systems is expected.
No prior knowledge of systems thinking / research is necessary.
The official language of the course is English.
Lehrziel

Organic agriculture is undergoing rapid and complex changes. Many things are uncertain about the future of organic agro-food systems. Considering the relationships and dynamics of the system can give us an insight into system goals and trajectories, undercover hidden traps, solve problematic situations and identify opportunities.

This course is an introduction to thinking and working systemically with organic agro-food systems. It will introduce key systems concepts and practical tools used for systems work. The course encourages the practical application of systems thinking to create more sustainable and resilient agro-food systems.

The aim of this course is to create communities of practice, which help students to use systems thinking conceptually and in practice. It seeks to challenge reductionism and disciplinary / institutional isolation, and to create new knowledge for real world situations.

Learning outcomes:
A student with the requisite understanding and standard of work to pass the course will:
Understand the key concepts of systems theory.
Be confident in the use of key systems methods for research and practice.
Work productively and effectively independently and as part of a team.
Be able to present research in a clear and appropriate manner tailored to the specific audience.
Noch mehr Informationen zur Lehrveranstaltung, wie Termine oder Informationen zu Prüfungen, usw. finden Sie auf der Lehrveranstaltungsseite in BOKUonline.