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- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- This paper examines the role of food producers, population, and the government on the present availability of food in Bangladesh. The study employs a system dynamics model of the population-food-production system for its analysis. This model incorporates mechanisms of production and consumption of food, and population growth. Government policies are considered exogenously. The analysis suggests that, due to the presence of a feedback relationship between food availability and population growth, any policy for improving food supply cannot be considered independently of time. In the long run, none of the policies tested alleviates the shortage, although in the short and intermediate runs, agricultural development and population control policies may improve food consumption per capita. The paper thus seriously questions the rationale of agricultural development policies aimed at increasing food production. However, since many food surplus countries support small populations which are also growing at slow rates, points of entry for policies that effectively alleviate the food shortage should exist. Thus, food policy models for the developing countries should aim at identifying such entry points into the system instead of attempting to increase the food supply.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Socio-economic planning primarily addresses the solution of problems relating to inherently indeterminate systems. The class of systems exhibits two sources of complexity which can be conceptualized as the complexity of the idea system and the complexity of the actual physical system. The idea system introduces a multiplicity of available theories, disciplinary differences between the stakeholder roles. The actual system is complex because there usually is not sufficient empirical data relevant to the particular problem since the situational context is unprecedented and non-repeating.It can be argued that problem solving in this context involves designing a new system structure to facilitate social learning, using a heuristic approach. Such a heuristic is different from the more conventional approaches to modeling and problem solving in that it bounds the search space and enhances further inquiry rather than just reflecting the real world conditions. In this paper the main characteristics of this approach are discussed and methodological implications for System Dynamics modeling are drawn.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- System dynamics has been taught for over two years in two doctoral programs offered by Nova University, Fort Lauderdale , Florida. These programs are designed for working professionals in public and business administration and feature the inverse of the usual arrangement in which instruction is given on the university campus. For this reason, a traditional teaching approach cannot be used. This paper describes the Nova teaching environment, the format and teaching materials used for system dynamics, student characteristics and performance, and the present trends which affect instruction in system dynamics at Nova University.The introduction of the course in system dynamics has generated a positive response among the students and a limited amount of turbulence in the organization and administration of the program.
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Sedehi, Habib with Paola Valli and Paolo Verrecchia, "Dynamic Models for Planning Tourist Complexes"
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Planning tourist facilities is a highly complex task. It is necessary to evaluate carefully, with an interdisciplinary approach, all the variables of a technical, architectural, commercial, economical and financial nature that may be involved in a given project, without however ignoring the natural resources of the environment where facilities are to be set up. For a correct evaluation, these resources must be considered limited and seen as a wealth that can be exploited but not wasted, used but not destroyed. The approach outlined above is all the more important in countries like Italy, for instance, where there is a risk of over-exploiting the natural resources of the environment. In all but exceptional cases, an evaluation that does not take the above principles into account will result in a tourist enterprise that is ultimately a failure, as it degrades, often irreparably, the natural environment until it ceases to be an adequate source of revenue. This paper describes an integrated approach which provides, by means of simulation techniques, tools for a proper implementation of tourist facilities taking into due account all the variables and constraints involved, and likewise for the assessment by the Public Administration authorities of the wisdom and soundness of projects submitted to them for approval.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- The purpose of this paper is to expand our thinking about the possible role system dynamics may play in the evolution of western thought and society. While such a theme may seem presumptuous when applied to a toll known to only a small fraction of people at present, it is my intention to give it some credibility by showing that western society may already be in the midst of evolving fundamental assumptions, beliefs and perceptions more consistent with a systemic world view. Pulled by this undercurrent, tools like system dynamics can focus the forces of change and bring them to bear more directly on pressing societal problems.
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Shorb, Alan Mck, "System Dynamics by Visicalc: Simulation Models Using the New Spreadsheet Programs"
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Visicalc, the original spreadsheet program for microcomputers is explored for suitability as a vehicle for system dynamics models. It is shown that Visicalc can support most of the model features that DYNAMO allows, but at the price of some inconvenience and care needed when setting up the model. However, with the widespread distribution of spreadsheet programs among decision makers, there maybe situations where they may be the vehicle of choice for implementing a dynamic model.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- The paper discusses an application of SD to the modelling of ground force combat at about Corps level. The model is based on Lanchester’s equation incorporating concepts for the build-up of combat-ready forces and alternative strategies for their commitment in relation to beak-through criteria. These alternative strategies, together with the appropriate tactical rules for force employment and deployment, determine what may be regarded as policies for the use of forces. The model has been used to investigate these policies and the effect of delays in their implementation. Some illustrative results and conclusions are also discussed.Note: There is no paper available.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- System Dynamics models are often faulted for their reluctance to employ formal measures of goodness-of-fit when assessing the historical behavior of models. As a result, the validity of system dynamics models is often questioned even when the model’s correspondence to historical behavior is quite good. This paper argues that the failure to present formal analysis of historical behavior creates an impression of sloppiness and unprofessionalism. After reviewing the concept of validity in simulation modeling, the paper proposes a simple set of summary statistics appropriate for system dynamics models (the root-mean-square error and Theil inequality statistics). The statistics allow the error due to individual behavior modes to be analyzed, do not require the use of formal parameter estimation procedures, and can be conveniently computed. A large model of the U.S. economy is used to illustrate the use of statistics.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Sensitivity testing, according to the glossary of terms in a Congressional manual on simulation modeling, is defined as the “running of a simulation model by successively changing the states of the system…and comparing the model outputs to determine the effects of these changes” (Congress 1975, p. 129). Sensitivity testing is generally viewed as an important part of the modeling process because it helps researchers narrow down those areas where more data gathering would be useful. In our introductory remarks, we argue that detailed sensitivity testing is particularly important in system dynamics modeling efforts, and we list several obstacles that make detailed sensitivity testing difficult. We introduce a set of testing procedures developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory and verified by the Control Data Corporation that can help system dynamicists perform detailed sensitivity testing on a routine basis. In the body of the paper, we present an illustrative application of the testing procedures, and we list six specific uses of the procedures. We describe the availability of the testing package, and we conclude with a set of practical guidelines for investigators wishing to make use of this unique set of procedures.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Many firms use financial ratio analysis to monitor their control over the operating cycle and to serve as the basis for policy formation. Ratios are based on data produced through the accounting information system which is analyzed according to intuitively plausible concepts in order to make normative judgement about the financial health of the firm. A model is constructed to simulate the operating cycle of a business which generates financial ratios in a manner analogous to the accounting system. It is shown that noise and seasonality produce distortions in the ratio measures are spread throughout the system in a dynamic and complex fashion. Further experiments reveal that plausible control policies based upon financial ratios may make performance worse rather than better. System Dynamics appears to be a useful approach both to redesigning financial ratio measures and testing policies which could enhance out ability to manage such systems.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- In this paper some of the ideas of Ortega y Gasset about the dynamics of history have been gathered and organized according to the system dynamics diagrams. A cyclic process, characteristic of every normal course of history, is described as well as the dynamics hypothesis responsible for it. Human life, as far as it affects history, is shown as being composed of five age groups each of them covering fifteen years of life. Two of these groups, two generations acting simultaneously in the field of history, are presented as taking the main responsibility for the dynamics of history.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- :One of the traditional obstacles to effective utilization of simulation models has been the great deal of time spent learning languages in which models are written and keeping track of the specific variable names and equations within models. To remove the excessive psychological burden from busy executives and to refocus attention towards the actual behavior being replicated, Inter/Consult has been researching development of highly supportive user interfaces to models. These interfaces prompt users by stating the nature of the model’s assumptions then asking what changes they would like to make. Through this on-line question-and-answer dialog users can build and compare scenarios without prior knowledge of computer languages and mathematical formulas or specific model components. Our paper presents reactions to the interface by members of the graphic arts industry who have used it. We discuss further improvements which are being made to the interface to make our models more accessible to non-expert users. Finally we explain why we feel that tightly-focused, easy-to-use, dynamic simulation models are of invaluable benefit to any industry such as graphic arts where craft-oriented skills are being replaced by rapidly evolving new technologies.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- This paper uses a system dynamics simulation methodology to assess the potential effects of new accounting policies being considered by rule formulating bodies. The key objective of this paper is to demonstrate that current ex-ante intuitive assessment of the effect of proposed accounting rules is inadequate due to the counterintuitive nature of economic consequences in a complex social system. For this purpose a very simplified model of he US economy is developed and its parameters varied to reflect potential accounting policy changes. The effects of these policy changes are shown to be counterintuitive in nature, requiring consideration of second and third harmonics of the feedback loops for adequate ex-ante impact assessment. This paper is divided into six parts: the first part describes alternate approaches to economic consequence assessment and the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing the system dynamics methodology; the second part describes the skeleton of the system dynamics model; the third part examines the measurement problems of rates, levels, and delays as well as reviews the details of their computation for model formulation; the fourth part discusses the problems and results of model validation efforts; the fifth part describes some of the results obtained from application of the model, and their meaning in comparison with traditional methodologies for accounting impact analysis; the sixth part concludes by suggesting the next step for macro-accounting modeling: evaluating the potential and shortcomings of this methodology.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- A disaggregate population model of China is presented. The age structure is represented by one-year cohorts. Urban and rural populations are distinguished. Birth and death rates, family size, life expectancy, and other demographic variables are determined endogenously. The model can be used to analyze population problems and to project population size, the age structure, the adult labor force, the elderly population, and so on. The model can be used in two modes. It can be used to project the consequences of various exogenous fertility levels. Alternatively, birth rates and fertility can be determined endogenously by economic inputs such as food supply, GDP, and services. The model incorporates socioeconomic factors important in the demographic transition, such as the effect of perceived life expectancy on fertility, the effects of traditional values, and the ability of government to influence family fertility choices. The model can be used to evaluate policies and programs designed to control population growth, such as delayed marriage age, improved contraception, and restrictions on family size. The model requires industrial, service, and food output per worker as inputs, and also the level of pollution. The model should be thought of as a component of a comprehensive planning model which generates these inputs endogenously. Based on the system dynamics approach to modeling complex systems, the model is implemented in the DYNAMO simulation language.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- Much of the literature on model evaluation focuses on what amount to absolute measures, that are independent of the context in which a particular model is used. This paper argues in favor of situation-dependent measures. Whether or not a model is “good enough” depends on the job it is being asked to do and the mid set of the people who must use the results. The relationships between model adequacy and successful implementation of model-based recommendations are discussed. While rejecting the classical paradigm, the author emphasizes model realism and historical accuracy as important determinants of implementation. The life of the model involves many evaluations of whether it is “worth the costs”, “believable”, “useful”, and “right”. Issues surrounding these judgements are explored. How differences in circumstances can lead to different, but in each case quite adequate, models is illustrated by contrasting two models developed five years apart for the same organization. The paper concludes that successful models are persuasive, not simply to modeling technicians but to high-level decision makers.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- In the health sciences, concepts are shifting toward system models which recognize multiple factors interacting to determine health phenomena. The hybrid biomedical disease model has proven insufficient for the analysis of modern health problems. A population perspective and an expansion in the influence of the behavioral and social sciences have required conceptual models with greater breadth, and facility in relations between models. Morbidity is portrayed here as two domains of phenomena, the disease process and the illness state, each seen as part of a socio-ecological dynamic. Applied to major disease problems, the utility of these propositions can be examined. In the McMaster M.D. program, this set of models has been translated into a curricular structure which has the individual in all her/his healthy or morbid aspects as the interface between biological and social systems. Perplexing dilemmas in health care thus become not only understandable but predictable. Adopting this approach creates a new generation of problems. Just as our students have become familiar with the critical appraisal of evidence, the testing of conceptual models becomes a necessary skill. The background of this analysis is the socio-ecological niche of concepts. A model of models is proposed in which concepts interact with problem environments and modern medicine emerges as a case study for socio-ecological epistemology.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- The premise of this paper is that System Dynamics has, in the past, been primarily perceived, both by external observers and by most of its own practitioners, as a technique of computer simulation. Although this situation is changing, there is still little wide scale recognition of its true generality and relevance as a complete subject of systemic enquiry. The purpose of this paper is to explore the merits of system Dynamics as a total systems methodology. Specifically the presentation will undertake to review the need for and the requirements demanded of such problem solving methodologies, to briefly explore the dilemma resulting from historic attempts to create them and to present changes to the existing Systems Dynamics method which might improve its conformity and acceptability as such a methodology. These include the formal definition of Qualitative System Dynamics and the presentation of a set of rigorous rules to provide much needed guidance in its application; firstly, Stepwise Influence Diagramming, aimed at enhancing problem exploration and model development and secondly, Qualitative analysis, aimed at identifying critical system components and exploring the effects of change.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1983
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, cf82ceba47eedd73f41b00918de16477, and b0aa2a699b54f0d19f6a9d93bdbcfa18
- Description:
- System Dynamics as a methodology has traditionally been concerned with the study of processes that can be described by continuous variables. Discrete or integer events, such as the number of sales made in a day or the number of factory closings in a year have either been approximated as continuous variables or else not dealt with. This paper examines another way of dealing with discrete events through the realization that any discrete event has a certain probability of occurance. These probabilities are continuous and conserved quantities and can be modeled as system dynamic levels. Treating probabilities as levels in dynamic simulations is a standard technique in stochastic modeling, markov models being one example. System dynamics' advantage over these other methods is that it can represent the impact of the results of the probabilistic study of the social feedback systems. This paper focuses on examples demonstrating the use of system dynamics to model uncertain events. These examples deal with the simple case of a Poisson process with a time varying event arrival rate. Extensions incorporating conditional and independent probabilities are also considered.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1984
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- dcf80aca09fd0af264c0472357441115, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 6e5cbea1fd05527880f389afd8fb85d1
- Description:
- Case studies of regulatory and social programs suggest that policy systems are dynamic. In the systems described, outcomes depend on how variables interact over time, and feedback among variables--“simultaneous” causation over multiple time periods--is more a rule than an exception. However, the most influential evaluations of public programs are studies using multiple regression. A recognized limitation of multiple regression is its relative insensitivity to multiperiod strategies, feedback among variables, and other dynamics. Accordingly, we maintain, the findings of regression-based and case studies commonly conflict. Simulation modeling can serve as a methodological bridge between case studies and regression-based studies of policy systems, improving theoretical models of the system and providing a way to evaluate the robustness of alternative regression models. The results of some early experiments along these lines are presented.
-
- Type:
- Document
- Date Created:
- 1984
- Collection:
- System Dynamic Society Records
- Collecting Area:
- University Archives
- Collection ID:
- ua435
- Parent Record(s):
- dcf80aca09fd0af264c0472357441115, 23d738ba88f8333bc39725f9cb5bd0b8, and 6e5cbea1fd05527880f389afd8fb85d1
- Description:
- The Algarve province in southern Portugal has been undergoing a rapid growth due to a large increase in tourist demand. The mismanagement of the region’s water resources is leading those growth trends to halt. This paper introduces a model developed to provide a needed rational framework for Algarve water resources management, interfacing a system dynamics model with multiobjective programming formulations. The definition of water supply and demand sectors, on a spatially disaggregated basis, is an essential component of the model, with attempts to provide a tool to evaluate the effects of different strategies controlling water supply and demand upon a set of impact variables. To select an optimal strategy one has to solve a multiobjective programming problem, where the components of the objective function are the impact variables referred above. Solution methods include the analytic hierarchy process and the value display approach. The model written in Z-BASIC was run using a simulation period of 10 years.