The German Chapter advances networking and collaboration among system dynamicists in Germany. The Chapter has 113 members per end of April 2011 (of which 5 are corporate members) and keeps more than 280 interested researchers, managers, and students updated through its e-mail newsletter. System Dynamics colloquia and roundtables are regularly organized in various German cities (Frankfurt/Main, Munich). These events provide a basis for meeting fellow system dynamicists and for discussing modeling projects. On May 26-27, 2011, the Chapter's 5th Annual Meeting is held in Wolfsburg. This event brings together modelers from the scientific and corporate world, and by combining talks, presentations, and modeling exercises, it offers a formidable and appreciated platform for establishing links within the community as well as for actively advancing SD skills. More information on the activities of the German Chapter is available from our website at http://www.systemdynamics.de (in German).
The purpose of this meeting will be to discuss the formation of a biomedical system dynamics special interest group (BPSD SIG). Medical research, medical education, and clinical practice each present a compelling need for deeper, actionable insight into the complex dynamics of biophysical processes at the level of the individual. Systems within the human body amenable to the disciplines of ST/SD range from the molecular to higher level complex physiological processes. Recent developments in embedding simulation models within clinical applications for individualized care have delivered significant results and clearly demonstrated the feasibility and value of biophysical modeling in healthcare. We would like to have a dialogue with meeting participants about topics of mutual interest and to receive feedback on a proposed action plan aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the insights and skills to be gained from the application of ST/SD to individualized medicine.
2011: The UK Chapter has regular meetings in the UK, and annually at the international conference. In February we held the 2011 Annual Gathering, with theme of 'Doing (much) More with Less' - in both public sector and corporate settings. You can see the topics of all the great talks we had at the event at www.systemdynamics.org.uk and also view slide-show videos of them all. Congratulations to Peter Lacey who won the Steer-Davis Gleave prize for the best UK application of system dynamics, and Rhys Lewis who won the UK Chapter Student prize for his work on social housing. Our evening networking events have continued: three in 2010. If you are based in the UK and not already on our membership list (membership is free) then please do join on our website and see what we have to offer. There are between 80 and 100 members active in SD in the UK.
Quality criteria do not only relate to the products mere quality, but to the production and marketing process of the product as well. Customers often express their dissatisfaction with low ethical standards in this area by consumer boycotts. As there are complex relationships between financial aspects and compliance, a system dynamics model is used to unveil causal relationships and explain behavioral patterns. The model highlights the links between a companys dilemma situation and the effectiveness of a boycott for those demanding different corporate conduct. It also demonstrates possible levers for triggering different behavior.