Abstract. Expert system dynamicists are those who have developed the skills
to perceive structure—that is, they have ability to recognize that
dynamics appearing to be very different on the surface are
actually caused by fundamentally similar mechanisms. They then use these
skills very effectively to build models of complex problems. Desire
to exploit knowledge of fundamental structures in system dynamics models
has led to the formulation of molecules of system dynamics
structure. But there is more we can do to facilitate
learning about, and recognition of, structure as well as improve
system dynamics modeling methodology. This paper argues that aspects of
systems engineering practice can be integrated with system dynamics to
produce a methodology which exploits knowledge of structures, utilizes top-down
model formulation and bottom-up construction of models, thereby enabling management
of the complexity encountered during model building. The proffered methodology
enables all modellers, even the least experienced, to quickly and
reliably build robust models of complex problems. How this is
achieved is explained and demonstrated.
Related topics:
system dynamics, systems engineering, management
View first page of "McLucas: Combining Generic Structures and Systems Engineering to Manage Complexity in System Dynamics Modeling"
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