A Systems Approach to Sustainable Development Examination and Research in Russia

Abstract

Education of stakeholders plays an important role in sustainable development. Effectiveness of education for sustainable development processes is contingent upon approaches and methods applied. This paper describes the systems approach and business simulation games as the methodological basis of examination and research of sustainable development. On the one hand, the systems approach allows of presenting the entire variety of sustainable development processes. On the other, it helps to emphasize and understand the quintessence of these processes, and shows that managing sustainable development requires an interdisciplinary approach. The author analyzes business simulation games in sustainable development research and examination. He then describes “Stakeholders and Sustainable Development” game developed based on the systematic presentation of sustainable development, and discusses its practical results. Furthermore, the author discusses the benefits of business simulation games in education and training, and substantiates effectiveness of business simulations in sustainable development processes research. This paper will be helpful to scholars, professors and students, as well as to representatives of government bodies, businesses, and social organizations interested in sustainable development matters.