AHT401 Agroecosystems & Human Values (8)
A systems approach means that production systems like agriculture and horticulture are studied as a whole entity. This is in contrast to the reductionist scientific and technology problem solving method that focuses on studying elements at a singular level; the basis of most subjects in industry based courses. In this subject, agricultural production systems are studied as a collective of component parts existing within a natural and social environment. Utilising an holistic approach in systems thinking emphasises key interactions that exist between major system components, whilst also revealing overall complexity. Studying at a systems level provides an understanding of the true nature of production industries, drawing on and bringing together knowledge from a range of scientific disciplines and industry specialisations.
Given that human values are having an increasingly important impact on the management of agricultural and / or ecological systems, a multi-disciplinary approach i
s applied within this subject as an introduction to socio-economic research. This Major Project provides an opportunity to study a real world problem situation and involves skills and knowledge in social research, soft systems methodology and team work.