WPI The Practice of System Dynamics Modeling Micro-Course 3

Description

Welcome to the Practice of System Dynamics Modeling micro-course! This on-demand, self-paced online course covers System Dynamics model construction and confidence-building process, applications venues of System Dynamics, styles of System Dynamics modeling, and implementing models in organizational settings. This is the third part (therefore lecture numbers start from 13 and not 1) of a classic introductory course in System Dynamics that was taken by hundreds of WPI students from different degree and professional programs since 2005. Seventeen years after its original debut by Jim Hines and Jim Lyneis with special appearance of Oleg Pavlov, we decided to make it accessible to a larger audience and split its content into digestible self-paced micro-courses while keeping its original video content intact. We have added more practice exercises to help gauge your learning along the way. This is the third micro-course in a series of three. We hope you will enjoy it and most importantly learn! WPI’s new Professional Development Online will allow you to take these micro-courses individually and earn a certificate of completion for each, or complete the sequence of all three (plus an additional comprehensive assignment) to earn the System Dynamics Foundations badge. Available Now

• Micro-course 1: System Dynamics Fundamentals I
• Micro-course 2:  Real World Dynamic Models
• Micro-course 3: The Practice of Modeling Dynamic Systems
• After earning the System Dynamics Foundations badge, you can opt to apply to WPI to become a matriculated student, earning graduate credit in the corresponding course by completing a capstone project with a mentor. By becoming a WPI student, you will have access to Vensim DSS, Stella Architect, and other useful software that WPI provides.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the system dynamics model construction and confidence-building process
• Identify different applications venues of system dynamics
• Recognize the distinctive styles of system dynamics modeling
• Realize the many facets involved in implementing  the models in organizational settings

Content:

• Lecture 13: Truth and Beauty
• Lecture 14: Parameter Estimation
• Lecture 15: Project Dynamics
• Lecture 16: Modeling Styles
• Lecture 17: Environmental Issues
• Lecture 18: Challenges in Applying System Dynamics
• Lecture 19: Jay Forrester Interview
• Lecture 20: Epilogue

Instructors:

• Jim Hines, Ph.D. & Jim Lyneis, Ph.D., Oleg Pavlov, Ph.D.

Course Developer:

• Raafat Zaini, Ph.D., Research Scientist, Social Science and Policy Studies Department. E-Mail: rzaini@wpi.edu

Recommended Readings:

• Principles of Systems (1968) by Jay W. Forrester.
• Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World (2000) by John Sterman
• An Introduction to Systems Thinking (2004) by Barry Richmond