Modeling the Environment, Second Edition |  | Author: Andrew Ford
Publisher: Island Press
List Price: $45.00
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Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 316593
Media: Paperback
Edition: 2
Pages: 400
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 10.8 x 7 x 0.7
ISBN: 1597264733
Dewey Decimal Number: 363.70011
EAN: 9781597264730
ASIN: 1597264733
Publication Date: November 11, 2009 (New: Last 30 Days)
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Product Description
Modeling the Environment was the first textbook in an emerging field—the modeling techniques that allow managers and researchers to see in advance the consequences of actions and policies in environmental management. This new edition brings the book thoroughly up to date and reaffirms its status as the leading introductory text on the subject. System dynamics is one of the most widely used methods of modeling. The fundamental principles of this approach are demonstrated here with a wide range of examples, including geohydrology, population biology, epidemiology, and economics. The applications demonstrate the transferability of the systems approach across disciplines, across spatial scales, and across time scales. All of the models are implemented with stock and flow software programs such as Stella and Vensim, which are easy for students to learn and use. Visit http://www.wsu.edu/~forda/AA2nd.html for valuable classroom materials.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Good Introduction to Systems Dynamic Modeling September 8, 2009
Sebastian Knight (Washington, DC)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Found this to be a good, "user friendly" introduction to systems dynamic modeling for a specific application (the environment). This book is highly readable and a great way to not only develop an understanding of systems dynamic modeling but also to develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The concepts learned could be applied to other systems, as well.
The book does a great job of stepping you through how to apply the concepts to environmental issues through a gradual introduction of systems dynamics -- each chapter builds upon the previous chapter and provides exercises to practice what you learn. The chapters are also constructed around specific environmental issues which enhances the book's applied aspects. Finally, the book provides some very helpful references to further reading.
Systems dynamic modeling is not a completely new concept to me, and I am comfortable with math and life sciences. However, this book does not require an advanced mathematics background or life sciences degree to understand it. I enjoyed reading this book. This is a step up from Donella Meadows book "thinking in systems" Thinking in Systems: A Primer in terms of more specific, pragmatic application. Ms. Meadows book, though, is good high level introduction for those completely new to sdm.
Great Book for Anyone December 11, 2006
BAR
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This is a great book for anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of Stella software. The book is easy to read, and the examples and case studies are well chosen.
Great interdisciplinary book on environmental modeling May 24, 2000
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
A highly readable introduction to environmental modeling. What distinguishes the book from other environmental science and environmental modeling works is its interdisciplinary treatment. In particular, the models integrate the physical world and the world of human behavior. Far too many environmental models fail to close the feedbacks between human behavior and the state of the environment, instead taking waste inputs or resource use as exogenous. This book helps students learn to model human behavior (social and economic) as an integral part of the ecological system. The models and software mean the book encourages active learning, and enable students to explore important issues on their own if they choose.
 Modeling the Environment April 23, 2000
4 out of 8 found this review helpful
This book is easy to read and contains clear examples of how to use stella software to model the environment. The marvel here is the software, not the book. For the software timid, it might suppliment the software users guide.
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