Assessment 2 - System Description Exercise (1000 words)

Topic : Animal population

Section A: Basic System and Problem Description Please provide a basic system description in this section. This section must include the name of the system to be modelled, along with a brief description of the system. The system description should include information about the system components, relevant interactions, boundaries and stakeholders. The system of interest should also be facing a problem or issue that presents a threat to the viability of the system. This description should be around 200-500 words in length.

Section B: Causal loop modelling Please develop a causal loop diagram (CLD) of the system described in section A. A CLD should include clearly articulated variables, linkages between these variables with correct directionality, delays, and loops where necessary. All loops should be labelled as reinforcing or balancing. Please maintain strict boundaries on your CLD, and limit (where possible) your CLD to fewer than 20 variables.

Section C: Systems Archetypes Your CLD in section B should contain one or more systems archetypes. Utilising the variables and linkages identified in section B, draw CLDs of the relevant systems archetypes. Each archetype should be identified, although you are encouraged to limit the number of archetypes to 3 or less. This section should also include an identification of the most appropriate leverages and a discussion about relevant intervention strategies. Students are encouraged to refer back to the Braun article on systems archetypes and the relevant Moodle content for assistance. Also included - some tips on selecting a system