EM 365 Systems Thinking in Emergency Management (5 credits)

1. Describe the evolution of systems thinking as it applies to emergency management.  

2. Apply systems theory and logic models to define integrated outcomes, risk, and performance measures in multi-organizational settings 

3. Evaluate the importance of recognizing the interdependent nature of our critical infrastructure, including cascading impacts that contribute to infrastructure failure. 

4. Analyze the evolution of existing management systems, safety systems, structures, and functionalities, including local, state, federal, volunteer, and private organizations. 

5. Evaluate ways to manage a scalable workforce that includes both paid staff and volunteer staff to accomplish preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery tasks. 

1. Evaluate disaster risk in communities and organizations using current scientific, geographic, sociocultural, and technological knowledge, systems, and equipment.
2. Analyze organizations using the systems theory of management to define outcomes, identify risk, and create performance measures in emergency management settings.
3. Critique historical and modern sociocultural constructs that have led to disparities in equity, diversity, and inclusion within the EM profession and delivery of EM programs to the whole community.
4. Apply effective multi-modal communication, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to emergency management environments.

Degree Outcomes

Critical, Creative and Reflective Thinking

Graduates will evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and generate ideas; construct informed, meaningful, and justifiable conclusions; and process feelings, beliefs, biases, strengths, and weaknesses as they relate to their thinking, decisions, and creations.

Lecture Contact Hours 50
Lab Contact Hours 0
Clinical Contact Hours 0
Total Contact Hours 50

Potential Methods
Participation in Class Activities
Discussion Board
Exams and Quizzes
Individual Assignments
Individual Projects/Research Paper
Written paper