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The The SustainabSustainable le Decision Decision Making Making Exercise Exercise (SDME) (SDME)

The SDME is a decision making exam. It is there to test your The SDME is a decision making exam. It is there to test your understanding of sustainability (Economic, Social and understanding of sustainability (Economic, Social and

Environmental factors)Environmental factors)

The exam is split into three sections. The exam is split into three sections. 1) Background, 1) Background,

2) Opinions, 2) Opinions, 3) The Decision. 3) The Decision.

Continue through the PowerPoint to find out more.Continue through the PowerPoint to find out more.

It’s worth It’s worth 25%25% of your final grade! of your final grade!

Bad news:Bad news: You You havehave to work hard…! to work hard…!Good news:Good news: It is on one of the best topics! It is on one of the best topics!

What is the SDME?What is the SDME?

Section A - The BackgroundNormally worth 10 marks and split into three or four questions worth between 1 to 5marks per question. You should spend no more than 15 minutes on this section.

This will test you on your ability to interpret data from the resource booklet (probably the first two or three resources in the booklet). Expect 'describe' and 'explain' type questions and be prepared to comment on sustainability (environment, social and economic factors).

Usually contains photographs, facts, figures, graphs, maps etc. Usually contains photographs, facts, figures, graphs, maps etc.

The information in the background should be used when making The information in the background should be used when making the decision.the decision.

The backgroundThe background

Example Background QuestionExample Background Question

Section B - The Opinions. Normally worth 14 marks and the questions are more complex. Expect two or three questions worth between 5 to 8 marks each. You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this section..

Expect questions that ask you to comment on the different sustainability aspect (Social, Economic, Environmental) related to the stakeholders (people involved) and the location.

Will also contain the points of view of the stakeholders involved.Will also contain the points of view of the stakeholders involved.

Later in the decision, you will explain which of these options is best, Later in the decision, you will explain which of these options is best, and why you didn’t chose the others.and why you didn’t chose the others.

The OpinionsThe Opinions

Example QuestionExample Question

Expect questions that ask you to comment on the different sustainability aspect of S.E.E (Social, Economic, Environmental) related to the stakeholders (people involved) and the location.

a) State your choice

b) Explain your decision

Advantages

Disadvantages

c) What decisions did you reject

Disadvantages

Advantages(Try to include at least one)

Remember to talk about what stakeholders (other people) think

Remember to talk about how sustainable the decision is (think economic, environmental

and social)

Remember to talk about what stakeholders (other people) think

Remember to talk about how sustainable the decision is (think economic, environmental

and social)

Section C - The DecisionNormally worth 16 marks and you have one decision to make that could take up to two pages two write about. You need to spend the final 25 minutes on this section. It is really important that you don't overrun on the previous two sections.

Example DecisionExample DecisionSECTION C – The Decision

Use resources 3, 5a, 5b, 5c, 6, 7 and 8 plus your own knowledge and any ideas from other resources in the booklet.

People have been trying to limit the damage caused by Earthquakes for hundreds of years with varying success. The Governor of California needs to make a sustainable decision on the best way to decrease the impacts of Earthquakes in the San Francisco Bay area. He is considering 3 options.

Option 1 – Move the amount of key facilities at risk away from areas most at risk from earthquakes.

Option 2 – Ensure all buildings adhere to strict building regulations and seismic retrofit those which don’t.

Option 3- Urban preplanning of the entire area to allow for emergency supplies, open areas etc and press for an increase in education regarding earthquakes.

Work hard!Work hard! There are two things to do – 1. Revise the subject area There are two things to do – 1. Revise the subject area thoroughly 2. Know what to expect in this type of exam.thoroughly 2. Know what to expect in this type of exam.

Keep an eye on the news!Keep an eye on the news! SDMEs are always about current issues. Do some light research on SDMEs are always about current issues. Do some light research on

the net in your own time.the net in your own time. Keep up to date with homework.Keep up to date with homework. We have limited time for We have limited time for

completing SDME practice in class.completing SDME practice in class. Enjoy it!Enjoy it! The SDME mimics what real decision makers do in their The SDME mimics what real decision makers do in their

jobs, and is up-to-date geography! You’re doing cutting-edge stuff!jobs, and is up-to-date geography! You’re doing cutting-edge stuff!

Hints and TipsHints and Tips