Topics

Starting Points/Questions/Assignments

Readings/References

Introduction to System Dynamics

Origins of System Dynamics

The Law of Unintended Consequences

Feed Back Loops

 

1. What are the reasons for modeling?

2. How many types of models can you identify?

3. Give three examples of models.

4. When you began this course, you identified L. v. Bertalanffy as the founder of General Systems Theory. Who are the pioneers of System Dynamics? What is the distinction between System Dynamics and Systems Thinking?

"Simulation of Cloud Seeding Plumes during Weather Modification Experiment"

The Atmospheric Modeling Group in the Division of Atmospheric Sciences of the the Desert Research Institute
http://www.dri.edu/Projects/Modeling/wxmod.html

Richmond, Barry: "Systems thinking: critical thinking skills for the 1990s and beyond"²³ - System Dynamics Review, Vol 9, no. 2 (Summer 1993): 113-133.

Origin of System Dynamics ²⁴ Excerpt from an online book Introduction to System Dynamics -- Prepared by Michael J. Radzicki, Ph.D. of Sustainable Solutions, Inc. for the U.S. Department of Energy

Stella Software; Isee Systems; The Visual Thinking Company, View Movie on how to build a model