An insight into the system dynamics method: a case study in the dynamics of international minerals investment

Abstract

This paper presents an explanation of the system dynamics method. It is based on the development of a detailed simulation model designed to examine the effectiveness of various environmental, fiscal and corporate policies on the flow of investment funds and mineral resources among a number of simulated mining firms and competing countries. Emphasis is placed on the development process and the reader is referred elsewhere for presentation and discussion of model output.