by Juan Martín García (Author), John Sterman (Preface)
As the complexity of our world increases systems thinking is emerging as a critical factor for success, and even survival. How then can people become skilled systems thinkers? The most effective learning experiences combine experience with reflection, theory with practice.
Traditionally,
theory was taught in school and university, and experience was gained
in life outside those walls. But in the world of complex dynamic systems
such as a business, society, or ecosystem, everyday experience fails
because the time horizon and scope of the systems is so vast-we never
experience the majority of the effects of our decisions. And without
relevant experience, theory is uninteresting to students.
The old
ways of learning fail. When experiments in the real world are
impossible, simulation becomes the main way we can learn effectively
about the dynamics of complex systems. For this reason I'm pleased to
introduce Juan Martin Garcia's book 'Theory and Practical Exercises of
System Dynamics'. Juan combines theory and practice, experience and
opportunities for reflection, so that newcomers to the field can learn
for themselves how complex dynamic systems work. The examples span a
range of important economic and social issues, from the aging of the
population in developed economies to the course of contagious diseases
to the accumulation of pollutants in the environment; everyone will find
some examples here of direct personal interest.
The modeling
exercises guide the learner through the process of building a working
simulation; students will not only learn about the issues addressed, and
in the use of state of the art simulation software, but will develop
skill in the modeling process.
Juan has written a delightful first
introduction to the field of system dynamics and complexity, and
provides a much-needed addition to the literature available.
John D. Sterman
Index
System Dynamics
- Identifying the Problem
- Defining the System
- The Boundaries of a System
- The Causal Diagram
- Feedback
- The Limiting Factor
- The Key Factors
- Classification of Systems
- Generic Structures
- World Models
Building a Model
- Flow Diagrams
- Computer Simulation
- Behaviour of the Model
- Analysis of the System
- Weaknesses of Models
Guide to Creating a Model
- Creating a Causal Diagram
- Creating a Flow Diagram
- Writing the conclusions
Environmental System Dynamics
- Population Growth
- Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve
- Effects of the Intensive Farming
- The Fishery of Shrimp
- Rabbits and Foxes
- A Study of Hogs
- Ingestion of Toxins
- The Barays of Angkor
Management System Dynamics
- Production and Inventory
- CO2 Emissions
- How to work more and better
- Faults
- Project Dynamics
- Innovatory Companies
- Quality Control
- The impact of a Business Plan
Social System Dynamics
- Filling a Glass
- Dynamics of a Segmented Population
- The Young Ambitious Worker
- Development of an Epidemic
- The Dynamics of Two Clocks
Mechanical System Dynamics
- Dynamics of a Tank
- Study of the Oscillatory Movements
- Design of a Chemical Reactor
