It is believed that environmental management requires action at all levels and by organisations of all types and sizes. However it is not always clear what we mean by environmental management and the role that organisations do and could play. This free course, explores the different interpretations and viewpoints involved by using system thinking to provide a framework with which to better understand environmental management and organisations.

Syllabus

Introduction
Learning outcomes
1 Defining environment
1 Defining environment
1.1 ‘The environment’
1.2 Natural or human?
1.3 Whose environment?
2 Defining management
2 Defining management
3 Defining environmental management
3 Defining environmental management
4 Defining systems
4 Defining systems
4.1 What are systems?
4.2 System elements
4.3 Perspective
4.4 Systems diagrams
5 Systems and environmental management
5 Systems and environmental management
6 Environmental milestones
6 Environmental milestones
7 DDT
7 DDT
8 Introducing organisations
8 Introducing organisations
8.1 Reflecting on ‘organisation’
8.2 Defining ‘organisation’
8.3 Purpose
8.4 Structure
8.4.1 Hierarchies
8.4.2 Alternative structures
8.5 Processes
9 Organisation as a system
9 Organisation as a system
9.1 The UN as a system
9.2 Purpose and boundary
10 Beyond the organisation
10 Beyond the organisation
10.1 System environment
10.2 Organisation networks
11 Reflecting on organisations and environment
11 Reflecting on organisations and environment
11.1 Inputs and outputs
11.1.1 Water use
11.1.2 Waste production
11.2 Solving impacts?
11.3 Problem solved or situation managed?
12 Framing in environmental management
12 Framing in environmental management
12.1 Health and safety
12.2 Public health
12.3 Environmental protection
13 Environmental disasters
13 Environmental disasters
14 Risk management
14 Risk management
14.1 Identifying risk
14.2 Organisations and risk
15 Voluntary and compulsory approaches
15 Voluntary and compulsory approaches
15.1 Voluntary approaches
15.1.1 Corporate sustainability reporting
15.1.2 Drivers
15.2 Compulsory approaches
15.2.1 European directives
Conclusion
Glossary
References
Acknowledgements

Reviews

5.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

4.7 rating at OpenLearn based on 22 ratings

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Enrique Enriquez @EEnriquez
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Having engaged with this course, the exploration of environmental management through a systems thinking lens proved remarkably comprehensive. The initial description accurately framed the journey into defining 'environment,' 'management,' and 'organ…

Having engaged with this course, the exploration of environmental management through a systems thinking lens proved remarkably comprehensive. The initial description accurately framed the journey into defining 'environment,' 'management,' and 'organizations' as interconnected concepts. By conceptualizing organizations as complex systems with inputs, outputs, and permeable boundaries, the material provided a robust framework for analyzing their relationship with the natural environment. The estimated completion time was a reliable guide, and the certificate of participation was duly issued, affirming the accomplishment. This structured understanding of systemic relationships, risk management, and the historical context of environmental policy, from DDT to modern directives, equips one with a valuable perspective for any employer. It cultivates an ability to discern between mere problems and complex situations, fostering a more holistic and effective approach to corporate environmental strategy and sustainability reporting.

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