Hands-On Workshop: Modeling Non-Renewable Resources Dynamics

Feb 21, 2024 at 9 am NY | 2 pm London | 10 pm Beijing | Time Converter

Hands-On Workshop: System Dynamics Modeling Non-Renewable Resources Dynamics

This session about modeling the depletion of non-renewable resources is intended to enable participants to understand the problem holistically through systems approach. First, they will learn to construct causal loop diagrams (feedback loops) by applying systems thinking concepts, and then learn to develop stock and flow diagrams as models for simulations to study how a system structure generates the behavior of overshoot and collapse of non-renewable resources. At the end of this session, the participants will be enabled to:

• Identify the cause and effect interactions among the key variables in the given system scenario to develop feedback loops
• Build stock and flow diagram to quantify the model on Vensim
• Run the simulations on Vensim to observe predicted dynamic behavior
• Propose policies for sustainable use of resources

This hands-on practice session is intended to engage beginners in the field of systems thinking and System Dynamics. It is expected to run for 2 hours.

Download the Software

This workshop will make use of Vensim PLE, the free version of the modeling software provided by Ventana Systems. To ensure efficient use of time during the workshop, we kindly ask all participants to download the software in advance from https://vensim.com/free-downloads/

Pre-Work Tasks

Before attending the workshop, please complete the PRE-WORK TASKS to ensure a productive learning experience:

1. Watch the introductory segment (up to 10 minutes) of the video on ‘drawing causal loop diagrams (CLDs) in Vensim’ to familiarize yourself with the basics of CLD creation in Vensim. Access the video here: Vensim Causal Loop Diagramming Video.
2. Practice drawing CLDs by replicating the example shown in the video. Once comfortable, save your version of the CLD in the ‘.mdl’ format with your name as the filename.
3. Learn about constructing simple Stock and Flow Models in Vensim by watching the relevant video. This will provide foundational knowledge in creating stock and flow diagrams (SFD). Access the video here: Building a Simple Vensim Model.

About the Instructor

Dr. Bellam Sreenivasulu, Senior Lecturer and Resident Fellow at the Residential College-4 (RC4), National University of Singapore (NUS), holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ASTAR, ICES). He has extensive teaching experience in chemistry and applied chemistry such as supramolecular chemistry. Currently, at RC4, Dr. Bellam specializes in systems thinking and system dynamics (ST&SD) curriculum with a focus on modeling real-world complex problems in relation to energy systems- sustainable energy, renewable energy, carbon emissions etc. He also teaches topics such as ‘Sleep Health for Holistic Wellbeing’ applying systems thinking approach. His educational research interests include chemistry education, ST&SD education exploring students’ learning and misconceptions in these areas.