Title: Participatory modelling with an influence matrix and the calculation of whole-of-system sustainability values

Authors: Anthony Cole, Will Allen, Margaret Kilvington, Andrew Fenemor, Breck Bowden

Addresses: Landcare Research NZ Ltd, Private Bag 11–052, Palmerston North, New Zealand. ' Landcare Research NZ Ltd, Private Bag 11–052, Palmerston North, New Zealand. ' Landcare Research NZ Ltd, Private Bag 11–052, Palmerston North, New Zealand. ' Landcare Research NZ Ltd, Private Bag 11–052, Palmerston North, New Zealand. ' Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA

Abstract: This paper documents the results of a participatory modelling trial involving an influence matrix with a group of researchers and community members in the Motueka Catchment of New Zealand. In this trail, the influence matrix was used to calculate whole-of-system sustainability-values used to: (i) guide system dynamic model development, (ii) build understanding about the functional role of system factors, and (iii) contribute to method and theory development in a sustainability research context. This paper provides: (i) an historical account of the theoretical development of the influence matrix, (ii) theoretical justification for the use of this tool in the estimation of whole-of-system sustainability values, and (iii) a stepwise account of how the method has been trialled in a New Zealand case study, including an evaluation of its limitations and areas where future research is needed.

Keywords: cross impact; Frederic Vester; influence matrix; integrated catchment management; matrix forecasting; Motueka Catchment; New Zealand; participatory modelling; sustainability values; whole-of-system; sustainable development; system dynamics.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSD.2007.017911

International Journal of Sustainable Development, 2007 Vol.10 No.4, pp.382 - 401

Published online: 22 Apr 2008 *

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