Hello! I would like to conduct research using a system dynamics model, but
Im having a bit of trouble getting started. Im hoping that youll be
able to give me some advice. Id like to use the model to understand
organizational factors that influence employee health and well-being. Im
in the process of 1) measuring these factors in a host organization
(independent variables) and 2) taking objective and self-reported measures
of health (dependent variables). I should have some good data to use to
develop the model, but Im a modeling novice. Does the system dynamics
model seem amenable to the type of research Ive quicky sketched?
Further, Im not sure how to use these data to develop the model. Ive
read the iThink handbook and some literature from Systems Review, but Im
not clear on what my next step should be. Can you make any suggestions?
What experiences have you had in using the system dynamics model in
research? Do you know of additional resources (e.g., training, assistance)
that could be accessed while Im developing and implementing the study?
Thank you for your help; I appreciate any thoughts you may have.
Sincerely,
Erin Frew
****************************************************************
Erin J. Frew, MS, CHES Phone: (505)646-3441
Program Coordinator Fax: (505)646-6413
Southern Area Health Education Center Email: efrew@nmsu.edu
Border Health Education Training Center
New Mexico State University
Box 30001, Department AHC
Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88003
****************************************************************
Management Research
-
- Member
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Fri Mar 29, 2002 3:39 am
Management Research
Tall order. Short answer, yes, SD would be useful. But ... its nearly
impossible to choose appropriate variables and boundaries using an "Id like to
understand the system" approach. Start with a concrete problem statement,
including a specific variable, the behavior of which can be seen to vary over
time, then begin figuring out the variables that influence that behavior.
There are lots of resources available on the mechanics of modeling, but getting
started really requires some interaction with a modeler with experience. Go to
one of the 2-3 day courses put on by the big three (Vensim, Powersim, iThink),
learn what you can, and take your problem statement with you ... most of the
trainers would love to help you with something REAL.
Best of luck.
Steve
--
Stephen B. Wehrenberg, Ph.D.
HR Capability Development, US Coast Guard
Administrative Sciences, The George Washington University
wstephen@erols.com
"Born empowered."
impossible to choose appropriate variables and boundaries using an "Id like to
understand the system" approach. Start with a concrete problem statement,
including a specific variable, the behavior of which can be seen to vary over
time, then begin figuring out the variables that influence that behavior.
There are lots of resources available on the mechanics of modeling, but getting
started really requires some interaction with a modeler with experience. Go to
one of the 2-3 day courses put on by the big three (Vensim, Powersim, iThink),
learn what you can, and take your problem statement with you ... most of the
trainers would love to help you with something REAL.
Best of luck.
Steve
--
Stephen B. Wehrenberg, Ph.D.
HR Capability Development, US Coast Guard
Administrative Sciences, The George Washington University
wstephen@erols.com
"Born empowered."