Abstract
[Truncated abstract] Natural resource managers are struggling to make significant progress against what scientists call ‘wicked’ environmental problems. Although it is generally agreed that the model of natural resource management (NRM) investment through regional organisations is appropriate for NRM delivery in Australia, criticism of publicly funded NRM programs has led to increased calls for greater transparency and accountability for NRM investment decisions through the use of more rigorous, evidence-based approaches at the regional level.
This thesis provides a contribution to knowledge by explaining how NRM investment decisions are made in this sector, why those decision processes are being implemented as they are, and why investment decision processes are difficult, but not impossible, to improve. The study also looks at the design and use of decision support tools and explains why these tools have not been more widely adopted by regional NRM organisations. This is achieved using a survey instrument, interviews and three casestudy investigations. The methodology, based on adaptive theory techniques, centers on the use of both qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed-method approach.
This thesis provides a contribution to knowledge by explaining how NRM investment decisions are made in this sector, why those decision processes are being implemented as they are, and why investment decision processes are difficult, but not impossible, to improve. The study also looks at the design and use of decision support tools and explains why these tools have not been more widely adopted by regional NRM organisations. This is achieved using a survey instrument, interviews and three casestudy investigations. The methodology, based on adaptive theory techniques, centers on the use of both qualitative and quantitative data in a mixed-method approach.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Publication status | Unpublished - 2014 |