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DPSIR=A Problem Structuring Method? An exploration from the “Imagine” approach

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  • Bell, Simon

Abstract

The Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response or DPSIR framework has been with us for over a decade now and it is widely used as a means to assess and measure and, eventually provide a guide to managing the environment. With its repertoire of diagnostic and analytical components the DPSIR can be argued to be a Problem Structuring Method or PSM. Criticisms of the framework abound but it has a resilience which is noteworthy. Some argue that DPSIR, by its nature, is a narrowly formulated, engineering device, incompatible with the multiple perspectives which human interaction in global ecology requires. Is there a value in DPSIR being more flexible in expression and experience of users? In this article it is shown how the DPSIR framework was applied within a multi-methodology approach called Imagine in a number of coastal management projects around the Mediterranean and in other contexts. The article argues that DPSIR, whilst admittedly limited in its scope and approach can, if applied in a participatory and systemic multi-methodology, combine with other tools and help to create outcomes of value to local populations.

Suggested Citation

  • Bell, Simon, 2012. "DPSIR=A Problem Structuring Method? An exploration from the “Imagine” approach," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 222(2), pages 350-360.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ejores:v:222:y:2012:i:2:p:350-360
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ejor.2012.04.029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Lhermie, Guillaume & Wernli, Didier & Jørgensen, Peter Søgaard & Kenkel, Donald & Lin Lawell, C.-Y. Cynthia & Tauer, Loren William & Gröhn, Yrjo Tapio, 2019. "Tradeoffs between resistance to antimicrobials in public health and their use in agriculture: Moving towards sustainability assessment," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 166(C), pages 1-1.
    5. Xiaohang Zhai & Zhe Chen & Chunlan Tan & Guangliang Li, 2023. "Heterogeneity Analysis of Industrial Structure Upgrading on Eco-Environmental Quality from a Spatial Perspective: Evidence from 11 Coastal Provinces in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-22, October.
    6. Yearworth, Mike & White, Leroy, 2014. "The non-codified use of problem structuring methods and the need for a generic constitutive definition," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 237(3), pages 932-945.
    7. Valentina Castronuovo, 2023. "Losing Cultural Heritage due to Anthropic Environmental Disasters: An Application of the DPSIR Spiral Framework," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-19, January.
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    13. Do Thi Thu Huong & Nguyen Thi Thu Ha & Gia Khanh & Nguyen Thanh & Luc Hens, 2022. "Sustainability assessment of coastal ecosystems: DPSIR analysis for beaches at the Northeast Coast of Vietnam," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 24(4), pages 5032-5051, April.
    14. Durugbo, Christopher M., 2020. "Affordance-based problem structuring for workplace innovation," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 284(2), pages 617-631.
    15. Vanermen, Iris & Muys, Bart & Verheyen, Kris & Vanwindekens, Frederic & Bouriaud, Laura & Kardol, Paul & Vranken, Liesbet, 2020. "What do scientists and managers know about soil biodiversity? Comparative knowledge mapping for sustainable forest management," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    16. Alexandre de A. Gomes Júnior & Vanessa B. Schramm, 2022. "Problem Structuring Methods: A Review of Advances Over the Last Decade," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 35(1), pages 55-88, February.
    17. Guillaume Lhermie, 2021. "Shaping Agricultural Policies in the Anthropocene Era: What Can We Learn from the DPSIR Framework?," SPP Briefing Papers, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 14(25), October.
    18. Qiangsheng Hu & Xiaorong He, 2018. "An Integrated Approach to Evaluate Urban Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, April.
    19. van Antwerpen, Coen & Curtis, Neville J., 2016. "A data collection and presentation methodology for decision support: A case study of hand-held mine detection devices," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 251(1), pages 237-251.

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