Introduction to systems analysis

Systems approach has been considered as one of the most effective methods for policy planning in ecological problem area of our society. In recent years various works have been published on the role of nuclear energy in the future as well as present society. ''Reactor Safety Study'' project directed by Prof. N. Rasmussen, M.I.T. and ''A Time to Choose'' report prepared by Ford Energy Policy Project Team are typical examples. In the marine radio-ecological problem area, we are faced with the problems of clarifying the radio-ecological implications of coastal siting of fuel reprocessing plants, coastal and offshore siting of nuclear power plants, radioactive waste disposal in deep sea and so on. Analysis of these problem area in the framework of systems analysis indicates that the establishment of operational system for marine radioecology is one of the most important activities and that the outcomes of fundamental research area should be timely included in the criteria, models and monitoring methods of this system. (auth.)