System Dynamics Modelling – Intermediate Course

Description

Take advantage of this convenient online intermediate course about System Dynamics Modelling, taught by practitioners from DESTA Research LLP, a firm located in India dedicated to providing research and consulting services for sustainable development using System Dynamics and systems thinking! DESTA's course is aimed at helping modelers gain a working knowledge of making system dynamics models of real world complicated systems. It would allow them to go beyond making simple theoretical models and gain proficiency in modelling real world systems, using STELLA Architect software. At the end of the course the participants would be able to create two stock models, model ageing chains, capture time delays, make impact functions (graphical inputs) and use some built in functions to mimic real world systems.

• Upon completion of the course and submission of all assignments, participants will get a certificate of completion.

  Course Summary:

• This is an immersive three-week course for those who are looking to gain working knowledge of system dynamics modelling and learn how to model real world systems.  The course is focused on getting the participants to learn the method and make models (individually and as a group). Participants will undergo an iterative learning process – learn, apply, revise, learn, apply and will make 5-7 system dynamics simulation models during the course, using the STELLA software (workshop license). They will be given weekly assignments which they need to submit online. There will also be quizzes to summarize the learning. There will be one live session each week, and a total of three contact sessions over three weeks totaling up to 10 hours. Participants are expected to put in 1.5 hours for peer-learning and 2-3 hours of self-learning time every week for completing the assignments and readings, in addition to the live sessions.

Prerequisites:

• The participants must have a basic knowledge of stocks, flows, feedback loops and single stock models. They must have experience of creating models using simulation softwares.
• If you want to learn basics of system dynamics modelling, then please register for the next cohort of Fundamentals of System Dynamics Modelling taught by DESTA. You can contact DESTA at courses@desta.co.in.

  Course Start Date:

• May 26, 2022, and is synchronous (May 26 - June 16)

  Course Timing: Synchronous, online

• 3 hours Live Classes on Thursdays from 6.30 -9:30 PM, Indian Standard Time (IST)
• 1.5 hours of Group Modelling on Mondays 7:30 – 9:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST). These will be peer-led sessions aimed at practicing modelling in groups and peer-learning.

 

• The schedule for the course is live on the DESTA courses page. Do keep checking this page as they will keep updating it regularly. DESTA will also send a calendar block for the dates and times specified.

• English, taught in Indian Standard Time Zone

  Course Objectives:

• Participants gain working knowledge of system dynamics modelling
• Participants learn how to capture real world complexities in their models
• Demonstrate real world applications of system dynamics modelling

Content:

• Session 1
  • 1.1 Course Overview
  • 1.2 Refresher on System Dynamics
  • 1.3 Q&A & Weekly Assignment
• Session 2
  • 2.1 Endogenous Point of View in Systems
  • 2.2 Modeling Single Stock System
  • 2.3 Modeling an Ageing Chain & using Built in Functions
  • 2.4 Q&A & Weekly Assignment
• Session 3
  • 3.1 Discussion on Weekly Assignment
  • 3.2 Developing a Two Stock Model
  • 3.3 Developing & Interpreting Scenarios from the Model
  • 3.4 Theory Session- Steps in Modelling Process
  • 3.5 Q&A & Weekly Assignment
• Session 4
  • 4.1 Assignment Review
  • 4.2 Modelling a Business Case
  • 4.3 Developing Sustainability Scenarios from the Model
  • 4.4 Real World Applications
  • 4.5 Closing

  Course Features:

• Google Classrooms will be used to host the course and Zoom will be used for the live classes.
• Students will be given weekly assignments to submit online prior to the next class
• There will be one session each week and by request office hours for clearing doubts/addressing questions
• A total of 4 contact sessions over 3 weeks totaling up to 10 hours are planned
• Participants are expected to put in 2-3 hours of self-learning time every week in addition to the contact sessions

  Cohort Size:

• 10 participants maximum

  Instructors:

• Mahir Mathur, Founder Director of DESTA Research LLP
  • Mihir is an interdisciplinary researcher working on sustainability and climate change issues with an aim to develop systemic solutions. His expertise is in Systems Thinking, System Dynamics Modeling, Group Model Building, Climate Change Adaptation and Natural Resource Management. Mihir began his career in banking and stock markets, and moved into the world of sustainability research in 2009. He worked in the Climate Change Adaptation Programme of Watershed Organisation Trust, Pune, before moving to TERI, New Delhi. Mihir did his BCom from MS University, Vadodara and Post-Graduation in Finance from SCMLD. Currently he is a visiting faculty for systems thinking at Tata Institute for Social Sciences Hyderabad, Indian School of Development Management, Noida, School for International Training, Jaipur, India Leaders for Social Sector, Ashoka University& India Fellows, Delhi. He has written book chapters, journal papers and presented his work at several conferences worldwide. More about his work could be found at  https://mihirsmusings.wordpress.com/
• Kabir Sharma, Founder Director of DESTA Research LLP
  • Kabir graduated in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi and completed a dual Master’s in Nuclear Physics and Engineering from the University of Paris and University of Delhi in 2013. He worked at the Atomic Energy Commission in France on simulation modelling before shifting focus to modelling energy, environment and sustainable development. He has held research and consulting positions with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Ashoka Trust for Research on Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, and field-research positions with Centre for Policy Research (CPR), American India Foundation and Mazdoor Kissan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS). He has applied systems thinking and System Dynamics simulation modelling to systems ranging from urban systems to energy systems to coupled social-ecological systems.

• For domestic participants in India, the fee is INR 25,000/- which is USD 330 (approx.) inclusive of GST.
• For the general public, the cost is USD $330. Society Members get a 15% discount.

Please write to us at office@systemdynamics.org and copy courses@desta.co.in for any questions about the course.