Causal Loop Diagram and the Ways of Solving Plastic Menace

Just follow the rubric, u can hand draw and take a picture for the feedback loops diagrams.

ERS 101 – W2020 Systems Diagram Assignment (Due Feb. 28th @ 11:55 PM on LEARN) 10% of Final Grade So why should we look at the problem of single use plastics from a systems approach? The issue of single use plastic is as messy and complex as any environmental problem we are facing. A systems map can help summarize complex information into a visual form, where connections, feedbacks loops and variables can be explored in greater detail, from various perspectives, in order to discover knowledge gaps, intervention points and possible insights into solutions. Assignment Guidelines: You are to create a causal flow diagram around one problem of single use plastics (stated as a variable). For example, you could focus solely on plastic straws (so the number of plastic straws produced each year). We will help you get started in your tutorials, so bring your ideas to your tutorials. A casual flow diagram will consist of multiple variables (nodes), the links between them, the signs of those links (showing how the variables are interconnected) and the sign of the feedback loops (showing the type of behavior the loop will produce). Start by identifying your variables that are important to your selected problem. After identifying your variables, you need to determine the relationships between them (either positive or negative). Identify feedback loops and label all the links in your feedback loops. Next, determine the type of behavior the feedbacks exhibit (balancing or reinforcing). A reinforcing loop will show exponential growth or decline while a balancing loop moves towards equilibrium. More Details on Key Requirements: - You are to identify a minimum of six variables and the type of links between them - You are to identify at least one feedback loop (describing if it is a reinforcing or balancing loop) - Include your systems story as discussed above, referencing peer reviewed literature in proper APA referencing style. - Within your systems story, you are to discuss two surprising things to come out of your systems drawing - Based on your diagram which area would you recommend be addressed to promote the greatest change/or solution to your problem and why? Alongside your causal flow diagram, I want you to tell a story about the system (as a written document) (Maximum 2 pages single-spaced, normal margins using 12 point font). Begin by discussing why you chose the variables you did (using literature to support your choices). You will then discuss the links (and their signs) in the system. Think of the links as theories, and you will consult the literature to support the signs you give those links. Next, you will discuss your one feedback loops, again relying on the literature to support why they are either reinforcing or balancing. Make sure you are aware of your perspective when you are approaching this diagram – For example, are you approaching this from a non-concerned consumer view or a policy maker (remember who is looking at the situation and why)? State and explain the perspective you are taking at the beginning of your systems story. Alongside your story and diagram, you must use intext citations and include a reference page using APA referencing style. Rubric for Assessing Causal Flow Systems Maps Identification of variables Map identifies the important variables and provides evidence of understanding of knowledge from a stated perspective. (4) Map includes most of the important variables and provides evidence of understanding knowledge from a stated perspective. (3) Map includes some of the important variables and provides some evidence of understanding knowledge from a stated perspective, but it is limited. (2) Map includes few variables with most important concepts missing and limited or nonexistent evidence from a stated perspective. (1) Interconnectivity among variable Evidence of understanding relationships and how all variables are interlinked with many other variables. Includes the required number of variables. (4) Evidence of understanding of most relationships and how most variables are interlinked with other variables. Includes the required number of variables. (3) Evidence of understanding of some relationships and how some variables are linked to other variables. Does not includes the required number of variables. (2) Evidence of understanding of few relationships and how limited number of variables are linked to other variables. Does not includes the required number of variables. (1) Descriptive connectivity of links and feedbacks. Succinct and accurate description of all relationships through links and feedback(s). Accurate identification and description of a leverage point (4) Proficient and mostly accurate description of most relationships through most links and feedback(s). Mostly accurate identification and description of a leverage point (3) Often clear and sometimes accurate description of some relationships through some of the links and feedback(s). Identification of a leverage point but lacking description (2) Vague and partially accurate description of most relationships through most of the links and feedbacks. Does not attempt to identify a leverage point (1) Critical thinking and communication Map provides evidence of complex and sophisticated critical thinking. Story is well written and effectively communicated. (4) Map provides some evidence of mostly complex and substantial critical thinking. Story is moderately well written and effectively communicated (3). Map provides evidence of moderate critical thinking. A few issues around effectiveness and clarity in written story. (2) Map provides evidence of limited critical thinking. Major issues around effectiveness and clarity in written story. (1) Adapted from Jennings, D. (2012)