Why is it so difficult to have success? Applying the Swiss Cheese theory to environmental practices

ABSTRACT

The application of the linear accident causation model (“Swiss Cheese” theory) to environmental management could facilitate the communication of complex concepts by a general public. Metaphors are considered the only way to understand abstract issues: in this regard, this model could help the learning of project-based concepts in the environmental management arena using an accessible language. The further Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT) integration allows moving from a schematic approach where conditioning factors are represented in cold matrices to a more appealing design suitable to communicate the project to a non-technical public. Through this approach, environmental practitioners could explore a number of conceptual tools used in project management, thereby increasing a trans-disciplinary process. Two examples of applications of this metaphor to real practices (and a framework of tools largely used in general management) are reported here.

KEYWORDS:

• Conditioning factors
• effectiveness
• linear accident causation model
• metaphor
• SWOT

Acknowledgments

A large number of friends and colleagues, with whom I worked in crisis environmental management contexts, contributed to the development of the ideas included in this article, providing useful comments and suggestions. I wish to thank to the staff of Protected areas Service (Città Metropolitana di Roma Capitale), G. Amori (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Rome), P. Ciucci (University of Rome ‘Sapienza’), L. Contoli, S. Gippoliti, and L. Luiselli. Alessandro Zocchi (educational neuroscientist; University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy) provided useful suggestions and reviewed the English language and style. Managing Editor (Ruth Gaulke) and two anonymous reviewers improved (with useful suggestions and comments) the first draft of the manuscript.

Disclosure

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.