LIBRARY
GLO 410: Systems Thinking: Chapter 2: System Dynamics
This guide for Systems Thinking provides students with links to references from the textbook Systems Concepts in Action in addition to other resources to help develop systemic thinkers.
Systemic Dynamics Modeling
"System Dynamics (SD) is an approach for understanding the dynamic behavior of systems, in particular social systems. These behaviors defy intuitive solutions and attempting to apply ordinary processes of description and analysis leads to inconsistencies and contradictions. Since these systems are made up of multiple, nonlinear feedback loops human mind is not able to interpret how they behave. Consequently, a system's actual behavior differs substantially from its expected behavior."-Systems Concepts in Action, Chapter 2
eBooks/ Articles
- System Dynamics and the Lessons of 35 Years
Forrester, Jay W. 1991. "System
dynamics combines the theory, methods, and philosophy needed to analyze the
behavior of systems in not only management, but also in environmental change, politics, economic behavior, medicine, engineering, and other fields." - System Dynamics Modeling for Project Management
Sterman, John D. 1992. Explains "the use of systems dynamics modeling for management of large scale projects, including large scale engineering and construction projects." - Beyond the Limits: Confronting Global Collapse, Envisioning a Sustainable Future.
Khabibullov, Marat. Meadows, Donella H. Meadows, Dennis L. Randers, Jørgen. 1992. Call number: HD75.6 .M43 1992 - Hygeia’s Constellation Navigating Health Futures in a Dynamic and Democratic World
Milstein, Bobby. 2006. Explores syndemic thinking and the actions that occur when operating from a syndemic orientation. - Problems in CLD's
Richardson, George P. 1986. Explores the issues with word and arrow diagrams such as: causal-loop diagrams, influence diagrams, and cognitive maps. - Systems Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex WorldSterman, John D. 2002. "In this paper I discuss requirements for the effective use of system dynamics and illustrate with a successful application to a difficult business issue."
- Agent-based modeling: Methods and techniques for simulating human systems
Bonabeau, Eric. 2002. Provides an example of agent-based modeling (ABM), "a system [that is] modeled as a collection of autonomous decision-making entities called agents.
Intro to System Dynamics
Website Resources
- System Dynamics Society
"Provides basic information and references to studies on the use of SD and Stock and Flow Diagrams." - AnyLogic: System Dynamic Simulation
Presents a straightforward, one-page overview to the System Dynamics model.
Examples/ Case Studies
- System Dynamics Modeling for Public Health: Background and Opportunities
Homer, Jack B. Hirsch, Gary B. 2006. Suggests that "system dynamics shows promise as a means of modeling multiple interacting diseases and risks, the interaction of delivery systems and diseased populations, and matters of national and state policy." - Using systems dynamics to better understand change and rework in construction project management systems
Love, P.E.D. et al. 2002. This paper describes how changes (and their actions or effects otherwise known as dynamics) can impact the project management system