IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/waterr/v26y2012i9p2421-2442.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Synthesis of System Dynamics Tools for Holistic Conceptualization of Water Resources Problems

Author

Listed:
  • Ali Mirchi
  • Kaveh Madani
  • David Watkins
  • Sajjad Ahmad

Abstract

Out-of-context analysis of water resources systems can result in unsustainable management strategies. To address this problem, systems thinking seeks to understand interactions among the subsystems driving a system’s overall behavior. System dynamics, a method for operationalizing systems thinking, facilitates holistic understanding of water resources systems, and strategic decision making. The approach also facilitates participatory modeling, and analysis of the system’s behavioral trends, essential to sustainable management. The field of water resources has not utilized the full capacity of system dynamics in the thinking phase of integrated water resources studies. We advocate that the thinking phase of modeling applications is critically important, and that system dynamics offers unique qualitative tools that improve understanding of complex problems. Thus, this paper describes the utility of system dynamics for holistic water resources planning and management by illustrating the fundamentals of the approach. Using tangible examples, we provide an overview of Causal Loop and Stock and Flow Diagrams, reference modes of dynamic behavior, and system archetypes to demonstrate the use of these qualitative tools for holistic conceptualization of water resources problems. Finally, we present a summary of the potential benefits as well as caveats of qualitative system dynamics for water resources decision making. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012

Suggested Citation

  • Ali Mirchi & Kaveh Madani & David Watkins & Sajjad Ahmad, 2012. "Synthesis of System Dynamics Tools for Holistic Conceptualization of Water Resources Problems," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 26(9), pages 2421-2442, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:26:y:2012:i:9:p:2421-2442
    DOI: 10.1007/s11269-012-0024-2
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1007/s11269-012-0024-2
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s11269-012-0024-2?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jesús Gastélum & Juan Valdés & Steven Stewart, 2009. "A Decision Support System to Improve Water Resources Management in the Conchos Basin," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(8), pages 1519-1548, June.
    2. Vezjak, M. & Savsek, T. & Stuhler, E. A., 1998. "System dynamics of euthrophication processes in lakes," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 109(2), pages 442-451, September.
    3. Madani, Kaveh & Dinar, Ariel, 2012. "Non-cooperative institutions for sustainable common pool resource management: Application to groundwater," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 34-45.
    4. Ali Bagheri & Moosa Darijani & Ali Asgary & Saeed Morid, 2010. "Crisis in Urban Water Systems during the Reconstruction Period: A System Dynamics Analysis of Alternative Policies after the 2003 Earthquake in Bam-Iran," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(11), pages 2567-2596, September.
    5. E F Wolstenholme, 1999. "Qualitative vs quantitative modelling: the evolving balance," Journal of the Operational Research Society, Palgrave Macmillan;The OR Society, vol. 50(4), pages 422-428, April.
    6. Sajjad Ahmad & Dinesh Prashar, 2010. "Evaluating Municipal Water Conservation Policies Using a Dynamic Simulation Model," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(13), pages 3371-3395, October.
    7. Ines Winz & Gary Brierley & Sam Trowsdale, 2009. "The Use of System Dynamics Simulation in Water Resources Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(7), pages 1301-1323, May.
    8. Z. Xu & K. Takeuchi & H. Ishidaira & X. Zhang, 2002. "Sustainability Analysis for Yellow River Water Resources Using the System Dynamics Approach," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 16(3), pages 239-261, June.
    9. Slobodan Simonovic & Sajjad Ahmad, 2005. "Computer-based Model for Flood Evacuation Emergency Planning," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 34(1), pages 25-51, January.
    10. Shrestha, Eleeja & Ahmad, Sajjad & Johnson, Walter & Batista, Jacimaria R., 2012. "The carbon footprint of water management policy options," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 201-212.
    11. Ali Bagheri & Peder Hjorth, 2007. "A Framework For Process Indicators To Monitor For Sustainable Development: Practice To An Urban Water System," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 9(2), pages 143-161, May.
    12. Jon D. Erickson & John M. Gowdy, 2000. "Resource Use, Institutions, and Sustainability: A Tale of Two Pacific Island Cultures," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 76(3), pages 345-354.
    13. Kaveh Madani & Miguel Mariño, 2009. "System Dynamics Analysis for Managing Iran’s Zayandeh-Rud River Basin," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(11), pages 2163-2187, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Guangyang Wu & Lanhai Li & Sajjad Ahmad & Xi Chen & Xiangliang Pan, 2013. "A Dynamic Model for Vulnerability Assessment of Regional Water Resources in Arid Areas: A Case Study of Bayingolin, China," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 27(8), pages 3085-3101, June.
    2. Sajjad Ahmad & Dinesh Prashar, 2010. "Evaluating Municipal Water Conservation Policies Using a Dynamic Simulation Model," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(13), pages 3371-3395, October.
    3. Elmira Hassanzadeh & Mahdi Zarghami & Yousef Hassanzadeh, 2012. "Determining the Main Factors in Declining the Urmia Lake Level by Using System Dynamics Modeling," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 26(1), pages 129-145, January.
    4. Maryam Ghashghaei & Ali Bagheri & Saeed Morid, 2013. "Rainfall-runoff Modeling in a Watershed Scale Using an Object Oriented Approach Based on the Concepts of System Dynamics," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 27(15), pages 5119-5141, December.
    5. Wang Xiao-jun & Zhang Jian-yun & Shahid Shamsuddin & He Rui-min & Xia Xing-hui & Mou Xin-li, 2015. "Potential impact of climate change on future water demand in Yulin city, Northwest China," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-19, January.
    6. Zarghami, Mahdi & Akbariyeh, Simin, 2012. "System dynamics modeling for complex urban water systems: Application to the city of Tabriz, Iran," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 99-106.
    7. Ali Bagheri & Moosa Darijani & Ali Asgary & Saeed Morid, 2010. "Crisis in Urban Water Systems during the Reconstruction Period: A System Dynamics Analysis of Alternative Policies after the 2003 Earthquake in Bam-Iran," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(11), pages 2567-2596, September.
    8. Ines Winz & Gary Brierley & Sam Trowsdale, 2009. "The Use of System Dynamics Simulation in Water Resources Management," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(7), pages 1301-1323, May.
    9. Junfeng Yang & Kun Lei & Soonthiam Khu & Wei Meng, 2015. "Assessment of Water Resources Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Development Based on a System Dynamics Model: A Case Study of Tieling City, China," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 29(3), pages 885-899, February.
    10. Shrestha, Eleeja & Ahmad, Sajjad & Johnson, Walter & Batista, Jacimaria R., 2012. "The carbon footprint of water management policy options," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 201-212.
    11. Jesus R. Gastelum & Ganesh Krishnamurthy & Nemesciano Ochoa & Shane Sibbett & Margie Armstrong & Parag Kalaria, 2018. "The Use of System Dynamics Model to Enhance Integrated Resources Planning Implementation," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 32(7), pages 2247-2260, May.
    12. Mehri Abdi-Dehkordi & Omid Bozorg-Haddad & Abdolrahim Salavitabar & Erfan Goharian, 2021. "Developing a sustainability assessment framework for integrated management of water resources systems using distributed zoning and system dynamics approaches," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(11), pages 16246-16282, November.
    13. Patricia Chica-Morales & Victor F. Muñoz & Antonio J. Domenech, 2021. "System Dynamics as Ex Ante Impact Assessment Tool in International Development Cooperation: Study Case of Urban Sustainability Policies in Darkhan, Mongolia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-23, April.
    14. Wang Xiao-jun & Zhang Jian-yun & Wang Jian-hua & He Rui-min & Amgad ElMahdi & Liu Jin-hua & Wang Xin-gong & David King & Shamsuddin Shahid, 2014. "Climate change and water resources management in Tuwei river basin of Northwest China," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 107-120, January.
    15. Teresa Torregrosa & Martín Sevilla & Borja Montaño & Victoria López-Vico, 2010. "The Integrated Management of Water Resources in Marina Baja (Alicante, Spain). A Simultaneous Equation Model," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(14), pages 3799-3815, November.
    16. Mehran Homayounfar & Sai Lai & Mehdi Zomorodian & Ali Sepaskhah & Arman Ganji, 2014. "Optimal Crop Water Allocation in Case of Drought Occurrence, Imposing Deficit Irrigation with Proportional Cutback Constraint," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 28(10), pages 3207-3225, August.
    17. Jeong, Hanseok & Adamowski, Jan, 2016. "A system dynamics based socio-hydrological model for agricultural wastewater reuse at the watershed scale," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 89-107.
    18. Fang, Wei & An, Haizhong & Li, Huajiao & Gao, Xiangyun & Sun, Xiaoqi & Zhong, Weiqiong, 2017. "Accessing on the sustainability of urban ecological-economic systems by means of a coupled emergy and system dynamics model: A case study of Beijing," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 326-337.
    19. Huanhuan Qin & Chunmiao Zheng & Xin He & Jens Christian Refsgaard, 2019. "Analysis of Water Management Scenarios Using Coupled Hydrological and System Dynamics Modeling," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 33(14), pages 4849-4863, November.
    20. Ramesh Teegavarapu & Slobodan Simonovic, 2014. "Simulation of Multiple Hydropower Reservoir Operations Using System Dynamics Approach," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 28(7), pages 1937-1958, May.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:waterr:v:26:y:2012:i:9:p:2421-2442. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.