Policy Analysis and Design in Local Public Management: A System Dynamics Approach

The purpose of this article is to draw lessons for transdisciplinary modelling endeavours in social contexts. The chosen approach is to explore a research project that was part of the Swiss National Science Foundation's ‘Swiss Priority Programme Environment' (SPPE). The project focused on ecological issues and was realised in collaboration with local actors from a Swiss municipality. The case study design is used to analyse methodological issues related to the study of complex dynamic challenges. For example, for the purpose of policy design and learning, pertinent examples of the roles of heuristic frameworks and of simulation models are examined. Another challenge is to involve problem owners in the inquiry process. Furthermore, the transdisciplinary approach, in order to gain a better understanding, is addressed. These issues will be illustrated by means of system dynamics modelling and analysis of current challenges in the realm of solid waste management. Finally, the chapter makes several recommendations to researchers who want to investigate multifaceted, dynamically complex issues together with practitioners.