This can be a good scenario to fight against some myths wandering around the System Dynamics. Every single person not familiar with this methodology might have the perception that behind these words the most complex equations are hidden, all of them full of strange Greek symbols, differentials and integrals. The situation can even get worse as you have to deal with statistical data and try to decipher its blurry meaning. Eventually, you wait for complex software requiring a vast knowledge of programming.
There is no doubt that these myths, such as good guardians of Knowledge as they are, easily throw weak minds out. But, actually, myths are more a product of the imagination and the illiteracy than the deliberated intent to hide a valuable knowledge source. In order to defeat them, it is necessary to mention that System Dynamics are applied to daily issues, meaning to say the real world. We will rarely find complex mathematical formulations on it but an amazing simplicity after carefully to analyze any side. Complexity is more apparent in real world and often is the result of our ignorance. For example, integral equations symbolically represent an accumulation of material, energy or information. Regarding statistics, we will make use of it in special circumstances, more as a complement than a core point in our reason. Finally, concerning the alleged software complexity, we will prove how easy can be. So, forget your fears and let's travel to Knowledgeland.
Once myths are gone, we have to ask the big question, which is, what will System Dynamics do for us? It is possible to find thousands of answers to this question in several books but, first, let us use a simple analogy. If you had to calculate the total amount of seats in a theatre with 30 rows and 30 seats per row, you could count them one by one as far as 899. In the end, a good advice would be to count them again to be sure of the result. However, you can also use a methodology called 'multiplication' and, by taking the numeric expression "30x30", you will obtain the result in a faster and more reliable way: 900. System Dynamics is a similar method in terms of offering the same fast and reliable results in opposition with other traditional ways to perceive reality. Hence, this methodology allows us to deal with the analysis of the apparent complexity found in economic, environmental, social or just mechanic issues.
The main purpose of this book is to serve as a reference for students attending this subject, guiding them in their first steps. Initially, we offer a brief perspective regarding this methodology and its basic concepts. Afterwards, a completion of basic exercises can be used in order to make the learning process faster. Just by following the directions, you will realize how easy is to satisfactorily catch on to this methodology.
This book does not aim to substitute teacher's task. A teacher will solve the trickiest questions that arise. The Annex contains the most frequently asked questions (FAQ's) formulated around this topic followed by accurate answers that the readers will need to better understand all this methodology.
Practical exercises are provided to offer a cross-section of basic examples about what is necessary to know They are not supplied to provide current research topics nor a guide for projects in any particular area. Readers concerned with that will have to look over which models match with their discipline. To facilitate this task, some of the prolific libraries existing about models can be browsed on the Internet using the CD.
System Dynamics can be applied to daily matters. To the question "when is it appropriate to use the System Dynamics?" The answer will be "every time some kind of feedback exists". Such a reality is common in life (corporations, environmental and social topics …) and it is the explanation of this phenomena that cannot be solved by one's intuition alone.
Exercises can be organized in many ways. Topics´ have been classified to make it easy to keep on track. First of all, environmental sciences. Then, managing and social studies. Finally, mechanic systems´ patterns. There is no need to do all the exercises to become competent in this methodology. You may choose those you consider the most significant or interesting.
In the present book, problems and solutions are together, in contrast with other books where solutions are published in the final pages. This facilitates learning by doing different models. Simulation model design is a handcrafted job. There is a need to know how the technique works. Once acquired, the creator can freely decide the structure and not follow universal rules.
The concern about this methodology, that all the studies consist of computer models, is far from being true. The application of this modus operandi aspires to obtain the simplest solutions to complex matters. Consequently, simulation models´ production is justified just few times. Learning how to produce them is very useful to foster theoretical concepts and might be more effective to elucidate suitable responses. As a consequence, it is recommended not to start working on the exercises. Particularly, because the application of this methodology does not imply to create a computer model.
Finally, this book seeks to be a careful and precise work which helps to avoid the typical doubts implicit in any learning process. Being conscious about the difficulties that come from learning with a book, we have tried to make a clear and attractive text. In spite of all the sincere efforts to accomplish what was previously explained, here is the last advice: find a teacher for this subject, whenever possible.
Juan Martín García
JMG@GRN.ES
Cursos presenciales 