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In a number of recent threads many have cautioned against using SD to model systems. Rather, its best application is when it is problem focused. I believe that Akoff said that one aspect of applying systems thinking was to think in terms of systems of problems (his way, I took it, of using expansion...

This seems to be a project specific question that is in line with the recent discussion on Validity of Models. Reading through that thread might offer some preliminary insight. Your question appears to reflect that you have accepted their requirements as the defacto framework for thinking and respon...

Ill suggest making an attempt to describe SD without making any direct
reference to it. This will limit you to pretty common words but will get
the idea across.

Bill Braun
From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com>

Exact URL is http://www.ctg.albany.edu
esources
ptwplst.html

Entitled "Voice Information Response System ", it is near the bottom of the
page.

Bill Braun
From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com>

snip for space >Given another 20 years, enough schools should be converted to a dynamic >education to make a significant impact on the student output stream. In 20 >years beyond that, the output of such schools will be finding their way >into leadership positions in corporations and government. > >S...

I wish to advance my studies in SD. Being a small business owner precludes me from taking time from work to attend classes. What would be your recommendation for a self-study curriculum? Book titles and other resources are appreciated. Any opinions on what I should study first, or at least what you ...

Since you are at Harvard, get in touch with the System Dynamics in
Education group. Im sure they can give you everything you seek.

Bill Braun
From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com>

As an initial response I would say that the exploration of the actual relationship between variables (constants, auxiliaries, stocks, flows) from a math and/or algebraic point of view should not precede the students exposure to these skills. To the extent that some of this is covered in high school,...

Powersim Constructor 2.5 has such capabilities.

Bill Braun
From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com>

I draw a distinction between conceptualizing a model (by working at a flip chart with people, developing thinking lists and connections, causal loop diagrams and SD model sketches) and actually building the SD model (I work in PowerSim) and testing it. My opinion is that group think is indispensible...

Jay Forrests comment about precise modeling is an acknowledgement that as systems become more complex, the probability of designing a model that 1) has every single relevant variable accounted for and 2) describes the dynamic relationship between every varaible with absolute accuracy is likely never...

Many thanks to George, Gary Sharon and Joel for the references. As it turns out, Ed Roberts book is sitting on my bookshelf and I did not recall that it addresses the issue, at least in part. Thanks again to Robert for the model. Best regards, Bill Braun From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com> ------...

Does anyone have any information on the use of system dynamics to model racism. Primarily I am looking for a model that seeks to explain its dynamcis; if the model also focuses on or includes intervention strategies, that is also welcome. Thank you. Bill Braun --------------------------- Medical Pra...

>The story you tell sounds like it has a couple of potentially interesting >feedback processes: One is a positive loop from tourists to water Delays would seem to be important considerations. First the delay between actual tourist volume and known tourist volume. Second the delay between turning the...

Bill, Can you expand on the Senge thought. Seems, on the surface, to fly in the face of the influence of underlying structure and to perhaps run afoul of some archetypes. Bill Braun From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com> --------------------------- Medical Practice Systems Inc. (216) 382-7111 (Voice...

George Richardsons book "Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling with Dynamo" has some CLDs on the dynamics of crime. This may serve as a template for getting started. Bill Braun From: Bill Braun <medprac@hlthsys.com> --------------------------- Medical Practice Systems Inc. (216) 382-711...

This is a good, detailed description of the thought I had on the way into work this morning. Behavioral and attitudinal issues lends themselves well to CLDs, and quantitative dynamics lend themselves well to SD. I like Johns transition methodology, how he moves from CLDs to SDs. Bill Bill Braun <med...

Hi Phil, I have to chuckle at the apparent circular nature of our conversation here...it seems that every time one of us builds upon the thoughts of another we complete another circle, where we note the attractive attributes of CLD, then SD, then hybrids, etc. I asked George in a previous note if th...

Hello George, Two thoughts/questions... Cannot some of the ambiguity between 1) the cause is additive or subtractive and 2) a change in A causes a change int he same direction in B be resolved by being more explicit in the naming of the variables. If the variable carries a name that makes it clear i...

Hello Iqbal, I hope this doesnt split the hair too finely...I think of SD as the tool that leads to an understanding of the problem. Using SD to formulate the problem statement leads to identifying the leverage points. SD may not reveal the solutions themselves, but in a later phase, can be used to ...

Hello Iqbal, The course I teach is not an SD course per se, so modeling is not the centerpiece of course content. I use it more as a tool to introduce managers to thinking differently. Becoming a competent modeler is not an expected outcome for the students. I am currently using PowerSim to develop ...

Hi Iqbal, I teach a Systems Management and Organization Theory class (graduate 500 level class) and I start with causal loops diagrams and then move to stocks and flows diagramming. Although initially at a loss why Senge omitted the "s" and the "o" (or the "+" and the &...

Somewhat related to the Monthly Calendar, in terms of available resources, may be a list of links I maintain. You can find it at: http://www.hlthsys.com/pub/systems.htm Additions and comments are welcome, including vendors and, inspired by the Monthly Calendar post, a new section on periodic announc...