A Multimethodology for Supporting the Boundary Selection of System Dynamics Models

Leandro Duarte Dos Santos,Mischel Carmen Neyra Belderrain,Sandro Luis Schlindwein,Alfredo Celso Fantini,Caroline Rodrigues Vaz,Mauricio Uriona Maldonado,Erwin Hugo Ressel Filho

doi:10.4018/ijsda.20211001.oa12

Abstract

System dynamics models can produce knowledge for decision-makers and, consequently, provide better choices. To be effective in its purpose, a model must reproduce an observed problem situation effectively. Hence, the compatibility between the observed problem situation and the created model is essential and represents a considerable challenge. In this context, this paper aims to describe an adaptation of the problem structuring method ‘Strategic Options Development and Analysis’ (SODA), used in the Problem Articulation (Boundary Selection) step of the system dynamics modelling process. In summary, this adaptation consists of: (1) Selecting of stakeholders; (2) Capturing, aggregating and interpreting the insights using cognitive and causal maps, and (3) Using the interpretation of the causal maps for building a system dynamics model. The method proved to be satisfactory since it was able to direct the construction of a System Dynamics model based on a problem situation perceived by stakeholders acting in the native forests of the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

Highlights

Managing complex and dynamics problems is not an easy task
This paper aims to describe an adaptation of the problem structuring method, ‘Strategic Options Development and Analysis’ (SODA), used in the problem articulation step of the system dynamics modelling process
We present below the basic elements for understanding the adapted Problem Structuring Method (PSM) for the context of system dynamics modelling process

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Managing complex and dynamics problems is not an easy task. This difficulty emerges mainly from the non-capability of predicting unwanted negative consequences, which results from the decisionmaking process. According to Vennix (1996), the Group Model Building approach requires the engagement of a stakeholder’s group, demanding periodic face-to-face meetings. Santos et al (2019), proposed an adaptation of a Problem Structuring Method (PSM) that can be done without face-to-face meetings These authors applied the PSM Strategic Option Development and Analysis, in a group of stakeholders of the native forest of Santa Catarina state, Brazil. The implementing carried out by Santos et al (2019) was able to structure a problem situation without face-to-face meetings with all stakeholders Is this PSM able to support the modelling process of System Dynamics Models?.

MODELLED PROBLEM SITUATION

System Dynamics Modelling Process

Transforming Cognitive Maps Into System Dynamics Structures