School of Policy Studies
Welcome to
Harinezumi
Understanding Policy Patterns

Zemi FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions


Zemi mascot - "Harinezumi"

What is the name of the zemi?
As a joke, the zemi is called "Harinezumi" ;-)

What is the main focus of the zemi?
Zemi members study many different problems/topics. They identify "policy patterns" to suggest actions that will solve the problem. For example, there could be three policy patterns that can be explored:

  1. How policies changes from global to local levels (Global, regional, national, provincial, local, household, individual)
  2. How policies change depending on the stakeholder/actors (governments, business and industry, NPOs, universities, citizens groups etc.)
  3. What different policies are needed to recommend actions/solutions on laws, education and technology.
These policy patterns were developed based on a long-term study of programmes and projects implemented during my career in the United Nations.

What are the unique points of the zemi?
The zemi will have special focus on two issues:
  • Roles of United Nations organizations to solve global and local problems.
  • Problems and priorities, including poverty reduction, of developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

What topics have seniors in Harinezumi studied?
Seniors in Harinezumi have studied a very broad and diverse range of topics! These include:

  • Air pollution (Philippines)
  • Child labour (Eritrea)
  • School bullying (Japan)
  • Child prostitution (Thailand)
  • Alien/Invasive species (Japan)
  • Refugees (Vietnam)

What topic can I study?
Any topic! You are not restricted to any one particular field or topic. As can be seen from the previous question, the theme of your research can be any topic or problem faced by society ... you will then study that problem based on the "policy patterns" mentioned above. But remeber - it is YOUR topic, and YOUR research.

How is the zemi organized?
Most of the zemi will be organized around brain-storming and discussions, with frequent student presentations. Depending on the topic, zemi members may make role-plays, field visits or listem to special lectures by eternal experts.

What are the topics that you are personally interested?
I am personally researching the following topics as a part of my research, but of course, you are not limited to these topics:
  • How cities can tackle climate change
  • The importance of a green economy
  • Links between environment and disasters
  • Sustainable tourism
  • Eco consumerism

I am interested in, and can guide in a number of other topics as well, as listed on the right.

What are the selection criteria for the zemi?
I will determine the selection based on the following criteria:
  • The topic you intend to take up for your research
  • Your interest in studying the policy patterns mentioned above
  • Your English ability and desire to write your report in English
  • Your future career development ideas

Do I write my thesis in English?
I would prefer if you write your report in English - I will, of course, help you to edit it. This is not an English class, so you don't have to worry too much about the quality of your English - I will help!

Can I discuss my research ideas or ask you questions?
Sure, of course. My room number is I-312. You can also email me at hari.srinivas@kwansei.ac.jp

Prof. Hari Srinivas
Room number: I-312

Trained as an architect and urban planner, Hari Srinivas is currently Professor of Environmental Policy at the Graduate School of Policy Studies, Kwansei Gakuin University in Kobe, Japan. Before taking up his current post, he was Programme Officer for 10 years at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Programme Associate for eight years at the United Nations University (UNU) in Tokyo. He also served as a faculty member at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Dept. of Social Engineering. He concurrently coordinates the non-profit think-tank, the Global Development Research Center (GDRC).

He has a Masters degree in Urban Development and Management (1991) from the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok Thailand, and a Ph.D. (1996) from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.

Besides global and urban environmental issues, his research interests range from information management and rural development issues to community innovativeness, disaster management and NGO development.

Topics that I currently work on!

  • 3R Policies: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
  • Appropriate Technology
  • Biodiversity
  • City Networking
  • Collaborative Learning
  • Disaster Management
  • Ecological Footprints
  • Education for Sustainable Development
  • Energy Management
  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Management Systems
  • Financing Microenterprises
  • Food Security
  • Gender Analysis
  • Gender and Environment
  • Gender and Waste
  • Gender Issues and Urban Governance
  • Gender Perspectives in Water Management
  • Gender, Information Technologies and the Internet
  • Green Construction
  • Human Security
  • Information and Communication Technologies
  • Information Design
  • Innovative Communities
  • Instructional Design
  • Integrated Urban Water Resources Management
  • Japanese Green Business Practices
  • Leadership and Governance
  • Learning Systems
  • Life Cycle Analysis
  • Microfinance
  • Microfinance and Disasters
  • Microfinance Governance
  • Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Cities
  • NGO Accountability
  • NGO Codes of Conduct
  • NGO Credibility and Legitimacy
  • NGO Databases and Directories
  • NGO Management Policies
  • NGOs and Human Rights
  • Poverty
  • Rainwater Harvesting
  • Slums and Squatters
  • SMEs and the Environment
  • Starting an NGO
  • Sustainabile Development Goals(SDGs)
  • Sustainability Policies
  • Sustainable Business Concepts
  • Sustainable Development Concepts
  • Sustainable Sanitation
  • Sustainable Tourism
  • Urban Information
  • Urban Planning
  • Waste Management
  • Water Resources
  • Women's Access to Finance and Credit

But of course, remember: you are not limited to these topics only! You can choose ANY topic.