Online Content

4931. Hirsch, Gary, "Designing Simulation-Based Learning Environments: Helping People Understand Complex Systems"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/zg64v457c?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:35Z
Description:
Simulation-based learning environments, often called management flight simulators or Microworlds, are excellent tools for giving people without modeling experience an intuitive understanding of complex systems. Learning environments let them experience the dynamics of complex systems without the hurdle of having to build models “from scratch”. This workshop will deal with the design of learning environments, their user interfaces, underlying models, and workshop formats for experiencing them. Special attention will be paid to methods of displaying information to help users understand causes of the behavior they encounter and thereby make better decisions and learn more quickly. The workshop will also emphasize the importance of design based on clear learning objectives that reflect limitations in decisionmakers' mental models, model boundaries consistent with those objectives, stakeholder involvement, early testing of prototypes, and evaluation and ongoing modification of the finished product. The presenter will show a number of examples from his own work from health care, education, the news media, and other fields. He is also eager to make the workshop interactive and would like to hear about other people’s experiences with learning environments and from people with models they are interested in turning into learning environments.

4932. Hirsch, Gary with Geoff McDonnell, "Special Convened Session: Dynamics of Health Reform"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/v692tq972?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:34Z
Description:
The session on the Dynamics of Health Reform, hosted by the Health Policy Special Interest Group (HPSIG), will focus on factors promoting and resisting change in different countries' health care systems, possible unintended consequences of reform efforts, and potential leverage points for achieving significant reform. The session builds on insights developed in a session at the 2005 ISDC in Boston. This year, the session will begin with brief presentations of a number of papers that address health care system change and reform in several countries and at scales ranging from neighborhoods in cities to regions and states to an entire country. After these presentations, attendees will discuss common features across these several countries and scales, as well as from their own countries, and synthesize some useful "rules of thumb" for health reform that benefit from a dynamic perspective. We hope to also have some local experts from the Netherlands in attendance who can draw on their country's recent experience with reform. The balance of the session will be spent on thinking about next steps for the HPSIG, further development of its web site and Wikipedia, and potential focus for a session at the 2007 ISDC.

4933. Hillen, Stefanie with Finn Sveen and Jose Gonzalez, "Using Dynamic Stories to Communicate Information Security"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/9593vc74c?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:32Z
Description:
Safety reporting systems, e.g. Air Safety Reporting Systems, are extremely efficient components of well-functioning safety schemes. A Cyber Security Reporting System is badly needed, but good information security data is very difficult to gather and many barriers prevent making existing data available for scientific purposes. In the scarcity of real-cases, we argue that ‘Dynamic Stories’, i.e. the various narratives that can be derived from system dynamics models of the existing system dynamics studies of information security might help establish a Virtual Information Security Reporting System. We do have an interesting opportunity in our running study of information security risks in the transition to eOperations in the offshore oil & gas sector. Given the importance of security for eOperations and the huge stakes involved, it seems that an umbrella organization such as the Norwegian Oil Industry Association is a potential adopter of a Virtual Information Security Reporting System. Our paper formulates issues that need to be solved in order make our vision of such reporting system a tangible prospect.

4934. Hadjis, Andreas with George Papageorgiou, "Combining Relativism with Logic and Empirical Knowledge: Integration of PIMS with System Dynamics"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/9w032k98r?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:31Z
Description:
This paper presents an attempt to integrate the two major opposing streams of philosophy of science, that is, the traditional reductionist/logical empiricist approach with the more modern relativistic/holistic approach. Even though the two approaches represent opposite views in the philosophy knowledge creation, the combination of the two is possible as they also share common characteristics. As a result the synergetic effects of the combination draw new directions for research methods and model development. The aim of this paper is to combine the explicit knowledge on strategic management stored on the Product Impact of Marketing Strategy (PIMS) database, with the conceptual framework of Systems Thinking, and the simulation capabilities of System Dynamics. The combination is implemented in the form of an integrated generic System Dynamics model, that includes market related factors, quality related factors and system structural factors that influence the success of any management strategy. The integrated generic system dynamics model can serve as a strategic management centre that can be utilized by a Strategic Business Unit in deciding how to compete in an uncertain and rapidly changing environment. Various business scenarios can be tested by simulating organizational operations and environmental processes, whereby effective strategy formulation can be carried out.

4935. Guneralp, Burak with George Gertner, "Feedback loop dominance analysis of two tree mortality models"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/5m60r939w?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:30Z
Description:
Two hypotheses on how tree mortality progresses are proposed in the literature: Manion’s gradual decline and Bossel’s sudden death hypotheses. Bossel already formulated a mechanism in his model, BAUMTOD, as the cause of sudden death phenomena. His model, however, cannot be used to generate a causal understanding to Manion’s hypothesis. Therefore, a causal mechanism for the gradual decline pattern is suggested and incorporated in BAUMTOD; the modified model is called BAUMTOD-M. The suggested mechanism concerns the internal imbalance of respiration demand and available photosynthate supply. The eigenvalue elasticity analysis (EEA) is employed to study the likely structural causes behind tree mortality according to the two hypotheses. The analyses of both models suggest that, in stress-free conditions, a tree functions as an integrated organism. The analyses further suggest that the inability to supply respiration demand plays a crucial role at the onset of mortality. Differences in assumed mechanisms regarding the impact of this inability cause different paths to mortality in each model. This may mean either 1) Bossel’s hypothesis is a special case of Manion’s hypothesis or 2) there are truly different mechanisms at work in various observed mortality cases. More data and research is needed to clarify these points.

4936. Groessler, Andreas, "System Dynamics Projects That Failed to Make an Impact"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/rr172f97g?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:29Z
Description:
The purpose of the paper is to discuss the phenomenon why some system dynamics projects fail to generate substantial impact in organizations—despite the fact that they are based on an apparently valid system dynamics model and are conducted by experts in the field. The approach followed in the paper is a conceptual discussion, extended by a few short case studies. Findings are that the quality of the model and the expertise of the modeler are necessary, but not sufficient requirements for organizational impact. Further research should concentrate on the detailed analysis of additional requirements. Practical implications are an increased embedding of system dynamics projects in organizational intervention architectures. The originality of the paper lies in its focus and discussion of failed projects that are invaluable sources for insight generation.

4937. Groesser, Stefan with Silvia Ulli-Beer and Mohammad Mojtahedzadeh, "Diffusion Dynamics of Energy-Efficient Innovations in the Residential Building Environment"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/mw22vq155?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:28Z
Description:
The overall target of the Swiss Energy Policy is to reduce CO2-emissions and thereby to achieve the vision of an energy-efficient ‘2000 Watt per Capita Society’. A major instrument to contribute to the vision in the residential building sector is standards about energy-efficient building designs. However, new residual houses according to the energy-efficiency standard are not as often constructed as they ought to be. This short-term decision has a long-term consequence. In this paper, a preliminary System Dynamics model about the system ‘residential building environment’ will be presented with the purpose to explain the development of key variables of the building environment system. The analysis of possible policies put forward that a sound understanding of the decision process of potential building owners is necessary to create a beneficial system design which foster the diffusion of energy-efficient building designs. Furthermore, the paper should enable discussions about the model and methodological issues of the model creation process.

4938. Groesser, Stefan, "Multi-Perspective Reflections about Interactive Learning Environments"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/b5645931k?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:27Z
Description:
An Interactive Learning Environment (ILE) is a tool to convey learning effects about dynamic and complex systems. Information can be packaged and delivered to assigned persons. Several pedagogical objectives are achievable: Teaching the capability to operate dynamic systems, awareness about the effective delays, focusing on the importance of feedback loops and their strengths, and familiarize the learner with the concept of nonlinearities. As an instance, the flight simulator ‘Managing a Consulting Company’ puts each of two participant groups in the role of a Consulting Company’s management board. The ILE is created as a network simulation, which creates a dynamic learning environment and enables greater learning effects than normal single simulation models. By experiencing the simulation, the participants will obtain knowledge about the dynamic resource perspective of strategic management. The simulator, particularly, provides learning effects about management of intangibles and dynamic decision making. In order to facilitate a successful ILE-training session, it is beneficial to reflect about several perspectives connected to the development of ILEs. This is the goal of the paper. It concludes with a heuristics about the different perspectives of an ILE-session.

4939. Groesser, Stefan, "Development of a Group Model Building Framework"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/mc87q764s?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:26Z
Description:
Group model building is nascent the latest years. However, only few educational institutions offer professional education and research in the field. Furthermore, detailed empirical literature about group model building is rather rare. Hence, this paper will serve three purposes connected to group model building. First, it will document and critically reflect upon a group model session and derive lessons learned. Second, it will create a comprehensive group model building framework based on existing streams of research. The result is a framework that includes context and stakeholder analysis as basic preparation tools for a group model building project. In the more modeling session oriented stages, the approaches of Vennix and Andersen et al. will be integrated. And thirdly, it will apply the developed framework to a current research project in which the diffusion of energy-efficient innovations will be modeled. Further research will concentrate on validation and elaboration of the developed framework.

4940. Gonzalez, Jose with Graham Winch, "Coming to Terms with Traffic Congestion"

Type:
Document
Date Created:
2006 July 23-2006 July 27
Collection:
System Dynamic Society Records
Collecting Area:
University Archives
Collection ID:
ua435
Parent Record(s):
f9377a3ac7b50b1fca5e04fb6d679ec2, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 32937c7b43e3e015509bb71fd40d2054
Thumbnail Path Ss:
/downloads/0c4842966?file=thumbnail
System Modified Dtsi:
2020-01-02T19:38:25Z
Description:
Traffic congestion is a significant problem for modern society, but it is a necessary evil. Congestion is the principal mechanism to resolve the surplus demand for road space during peak traffic areas. There is universal agreement that traffic from privately owned vehicles (POVs) will greatly increase in most parts of the world in the next 5-15 years. Acknowledging that traffic congestion will continue to be society’s main solution to the competition for scarce road space, this paper proposes additional teleworking facilities with a door-to-door shuttle services with mini-offices. Whether stuck in traffic or not, time spent driving in POVs is unproductive, whereas near office conditions provided in trains, ferries and, nowadays, also in planes make it possible for passengers to stay productive . Teleworking in a door-to-door shuttle service with mini-offices would increase the attractiveness of public transit services in some large cities and, possibly, in larger quasi-urban areas in heavily populated countries. Such condition might provide leverage to deal with heavy traffic, especially traffic congestion. We suggest niches for an experimental transition to door-to-door shuttle services with mini-offices. We propose further systemic studies to find out what kind of industrial synergies would arise and how large society’s leverage to deal with heavy traffic could be.