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HES Systems 1 - Individual and organizational interactions with environmental systems
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:29:48
Abstract
This lecture provides the students with an in depth understanding of different theoretical approaches to understand and influence individual and organizational interactions with the environment. The theories are exemplified using case studies of actual problems in human- environment systems
Objective
- Getting an in depth insight into current theoretical approaches to understand individual and organizational interactions with the environment - Understanding the advantages and shortcomings of the different approaches as well as their potential synergies and inconsistencies - Being able to apply these theoretical approaches to better understand actual problems in human environment systems - Deriving strategic orientations for approaching problems in human environment systems on the basis of the presented theories
Content
The lecture consists of three parts: In the first, theoretical part, we show which theories have been developed to explain and to model environmental perception, awareness/ignorance, values, knowledge, and environmental behavior of individuals, groups, companies, and other organizations. This part will refer to psychology, microsociology, business economics and management sciences, as well as organizational sciences. In the second part we show how goals and the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations is influenced by incentives, information about environmental problems and policy measures. The third part deals with case studies related to significant environmental problems in fields such as waste and resources management, mobility and energy, nanotechnology, agriculture and food. Strategies for improving environmental behavior and management or supporting environmental friendly product and technology development are described. The goal of the case studies is to understand how the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations can be affected and what type of incentive schemes has which effect.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts provided in the lecture
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture | HES Systems 1 - Individual and organizational interactions with environmental systems |
|
2 h weekly |