A systems approach for collaborative decision support in water resources planning

This paper presents a systems approach for collaborative group planning of water development projects. Two dynamic modelling paradigms were considered for development of a collaborative planning support system (CPSS). One par adigm is based on negative feedback, which forces system transformation tow ards an external goal. The selected paradigm is based on the concept of pos itive feedback. Positive feedback behaves in a similar manner to many natur al growth processes in which the system feedback instigates growth away fro m an external goal or reference point. The positive feedback approach initi ates changes to a proposal away from the initial reference point of conflic t or disjoint value systems. This approach forms the basis of a framework f or decision support system development. The decision support system is desi gned for interaction and participation of a group of stakeholders with a pr oject proponent for the purpose of examining options for hydropower generat ing station configuration. Planning within the group setting assumes an ite rative, flexible, modelling posture. Stakeholders are able interactively to adjust the configuration details to improve understanding of system behavi our and consequences of choices. Experimental alternatives are compared in terms of decision robustness relative to apparent value systems or preferen ce structures. Overall the positive feedback mechanisms of iteration and ex perimentation allow alternatives to be generated, assessed, and improved.