Theory and Practical Exercises of System Dynamics

As the complexity of our world increases  systems thinking is emerging as a critical factor for success, and even  survival. How then can people become skilled systems thinkers? The most  effective learning experiences combine experience with reflection,  theory with practice.

Traditionally,  theory was taught in school and university, and experience was gained  in life outside those walls. But in the world of complex dynamic systems  such as a business, society, or ecosystem, everyday experience fails  because the time horizon and scope of the systems is so vast-we never  experience the majority of the effects of our decisions. And without  relevant experience, theory is uninteresting to students.

The old  ways of learning fail. When experiments in the real world are  impossible, simulation becomes the main way we can learn effectively  about the dynamics of complex systems. For this reason I'm pleased to  introduce Juan Martin Garcia's book 'Theory and Practical Exercises of  System Dynamics'. Juan combines theory and practice, experience and  opportunities for reflection, so that newcomers to the field can learn  for themselves how complex dynamic systems work. The examples span a  range of important economic and social issues, from the aging of the  population in developed economies to the course of contagious diseases  to the accumulation of pollutants in the environment; everyone will find  some examples here of direct personal interest.

The modeling  exercises guide the learner through the process of building a working  simulation; students will not only learn about the issues addressed, and  in the use of state of the art simulation software, but will develop  skill in the modeling process.

Juan has written a delightful first  introduction to the field of system dynamics and complexity, and  provides a much-needed addition to the literature available.

John D. Sterman

 Index 

System Dynamics
- Identifying the Problem
- Defining the System
- The Boundaries of a System
- The Causal Diagram
- Feedback
- The Limiting Factor
- The Key Factors
- Classification of Systems
- Generic Structures
- World Models 

Building a Model
- Flow Diagrams
- Computer Simulation
- Behaviour of the Model
- Analysis of the System
- Weaknesses of Models 

Guide to Creating a Model
- Creating a Causal Diagram
- Creating a Flow Diagram
- Writing the conclusions 

Environmental System Dynamics  
- Population Growth
- Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve
- Effects of the Intensive Farming
- The Fishery of Shrimp
- Rabbits and Foxes
- A Study of Hogs
- Ingestion of Toxins
- The Barays of Angkor

 Management System Dynamics  
- Production and Inventory
- CO2 Emissions
- How to work more and better
- Faults
- Project Dynamics
- Innovatory Companies
- Quality Control
- The impact of a Business Plan 

 Social System Dynamics  
- Filling a Glass
- Dynamics of a Segmented Population
- The Young Ambitious Worker
- Development of an Epidemic
- The Dynamics of Two Clocks

 Mechanical System Dynamics  
- Dynamics of a Tank
- Study of the Oscillatory Movements
- Design of a Chemical Reactor