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Improving decision making for sustainability: a case study from New Zealand

Susan Geertshuis (The Centre for Continuing Education, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand)

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

ISSN: 1467-6370

Article publication date: 18 September 2009

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and evidence a means of improving decision making within a sustainable resource management context.

Design/methodology/approach

A set of competencies required by effective decision makers is developed. Methods of improving decision making are reviewed and used to develop a continuing education programme that addressed each competency. Following piloting, 1,300 lay and professional decision makers are trained and assessed.

Findings

It is possible to capture the skills required of decision makers and to develop decision‐making performance within relatively short courses.

Practical implications

To be of any real value education for sustainability must not only increase awareness and knowledge but must also impact on decision making. The paper argues for an explicit consideration of decision making in learning design and describes the use of techniques that can be readily appropriated by others.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the effectiveness of training in decision making delivered to a wide range of practitioners. The paper also illustrates the contribution universities can make in working to improve sustainability outcomes through continuing education at a national level.

Keywords

Citation

Geertshuis, S. (2009), "Improving decision making for sustainability: a case study from New Zealand", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 10 No. 4, pp. 379-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676370910990729

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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