Modeling for Management

[George Richardson]

I do not yet have the final word on the availability of Modelling for
Management in paperback. The publisher intends to send me a blurb to go
out over e-mail with price and ordering info, and I will send that as
soon as I get it. I am intending on using it in my spring course, which
begins in late January, and the publisher seems to think the books will
be there.

If you are in the same situation as me, Id suggest ordering the book
now and assume it will be there -- a little pressure on the publisher
might not hurt. They say the price is between $70 and $80, but they
might end up going over that and I have no say about it.

...GPR

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George P. Richardson G.P.Richardson@Albany.edu
Associate professor of public adm., public policy, and info. science
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Phone: 518-442-3859
University at Albany - SUNY, Albany, NY 12222 Fax: 518-442-3398
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[Bill Harris]

George Richardson wrote:

>I do not yet have the final word on the availability of Modelling for
>Management in paperback. The publisher intends to send me a blurb to go

I got your note the same day my hardback copy arrived! I really like what
Ive seen so far; it brings some articles together Ive read but have to
search for when I need a refresher, and it has a wealth of articles that
Ive not seen before.

The first article I read was your "Teamwork in group model building." It
helped me see the challenges I face as one of only two or so at this site
who seem to be acquainted with system dynamics. It also helps me see how
to improve my teaching of an awareness building course using the Beer Game.
(I already work with another person, and that person does a great job in
general as a faciltator or process coach. With these models, well try for
a more intentional use of our varying roles in all phases of the class.)

My plan has been to conduct a number of these classes to raise awareness
and to create a common but basic understaning. The next step in my plan is
to function as an internal consultant to groups that have problems to
solve, using much of the model described in that paper. While Im not an
expert modeler, I see my role as trying to surface assumptions and to get
the groups to help me formulate them in ways that can be modelled and
simulated. The molecules project is one way I see to help prepare me, in
the same way that reading and understanding good literature is said to be
good for writers. While I had intended to work as a loner in such groups,
I can see the advantage of trying to bring in my co-teacher or someone else
to collaborate in these sessions.

The major risks I see are twofold. First, my naivete at modeling could
make the modeling rough going. Second, we have some strong financial
analysts here who are very competent with static (e.g., spreadsheet)
models, so there will be some who probably wont see the need for the
greater complexity of a dynamic model.

Does anyone have any comments or suggestions regarding my plan?

Thanks,

Bill


--
Bill Harris Hewlett-Packard Co.
R&D Productivity Department Lake Stevens Division
domain: billh@lsid.hp.com M/S 330
phone: (206) 335-2200 8600 Soper Hill Road
fax: (206) 335-2828 Everett, WA 98205-1298