System Enquiry: A System Dynamics Approach

Abstract

Part 1 An overview of system dynamics: definition and outline of the system dynamics method qualitative system dynamics quantitative system dynamics the value added at each phase of the method. Part 2 Qualitative system dynamics I - the components of diagrams: creating process structure delays in processes marketing organizational boundaries creating information structure and strategy further components of information flows feedback loop. Part 3 Qualitative system dynamics II - the methodology and its application: model construction model analysis a case study in model construction and analysis - the ESS case the testing of strategies prior to implementation. Part 4 Quantitative system dynamics - an overview of the quantification, simulation and use of models: quantification of models the simulation concept simulation equations system behaviour hand simulation computer simulation software validation improvement of system behaviour. Part 5 Quantitative system dynamics II - equation ofrmulation, model development and policy analysis: a staff recruitment and leaving (SRL) model the averaged level the SRL model with leaving rate control the SRL model with fixed recruitment rate the SRL model with nonlinear control the SRL model with multiplier control delays delays and the SRL model. Part 6 A case study in long-term company evolution: interpretation of the problem in terms of feedback loops identification of resources and states construction of a composite qualitative model equation construction application of the model. Part 7 A case study in the control of a mineral transportation system: background to the problem the problem the conceptualization of the model the STELLA software equation formulation effects of alternative bunker discharge policies summary and conclusions from the policy analysis quantifying the benefits of alternative bunker discharge policies transfer of the algorithm to other systems production policy design in coal mines allocartion of defence resources generalization of the algorithm comments on the use of portable algorithms. Part 8 A case study in defence analysis: the problem the identification of resource states and resource flows the composite model strategies and parameters in the model equation formulation results from the model the underlying feedback model. Part 9 The basic concepts of systems dynamics optimization: the optimization concept software features optimization in action. Part 10 The analysis of defence strategies using optimization: the optimization of red strategies results from experiments with red's objective functions conclusions from optimizing red's strategies the optimization of blue's strategies results from experiments with blue's objective functions conclusions from optimizing blue strategies.