Creating a simulation model with System Dynamics is not easy, there is the risk of making serious mistakes that force the model to remain unfinished after having dedicated days of work. There are books and courses which show the steps to be taken in the process of creating a simulation model, but it is observed that some errors are repeated frequently. This book offers a different approach, instead of explaining how to create a simulation model, it shows the mistakes that are usually made. The book is designed for students who are looking for a quick manual to identify the most common mistakes made when creating simulation models by applying System Dynamics, to correct them before presenting their research or work. The experts will find in this book a list of points to check before making a presentation to their clients.The content of the book allows the reader to identify the errors described and take them into account before submitting or publishing a work. The most essential book for beginners and experts Content Causal Loop Diagram CLD 1. Guidelines 2. Definition of the elements 3. Loops and causal chains 4. Variable that depends on many 5. Variables in a positive sense 6. Variables that do not influence anything 7. Variables with signs 8. Confusing diagrams Stocks and Flows Diagram SFD 9. Guidelines 10. One variable only once 11. Coherence of flows and their levels 12. Flow concept 13. Levels without flows, flows without levels 14. Levels only depend on flows 15. Arrows with signs 16. Uppercase for everything 17. Clouds that depend on variables 18. Variables that depend on two tables 19. It depends, but it is constant 20. Do not look up from the paper 21. Badly connected flows 22. Impossible values The author Juan Martín García is teacher, consultant, and a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.

This book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That's done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to: - Describe the components of a complex system. - Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. - Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. - Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system. Content Environmental Area 1. Population Growth 2. Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 4. The Fishery of Shrimp 5. Rabbits and Foxes 6. A Study of Hogs 7. Ingestion of Toxins 8. The Barays of Angkor 9. The Golden Number Management Area 10. Production and Inventory 11. CO2 Emissions 12. How to Work More and Better 13. Faults 14. Project Dynamics 15. Innovatory Companies 16. Quality Control 17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area 18. Filling a Glass 19. A Catastrophe Study 20. The Young Ambitious Worker 21. Development of an Epidemic 22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area 23. The Tank 24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 26. The Butterfly Effect 27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (Vensim PLE PLUS) 28. Import data from an Excel file 29. Building Games and Learning Labs 30. Interactive models 31. Input Output Controls 32. Sensitivity Analysis Annex I. Guide to creating a model II. Functions, Tables and Delays III. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs IV. Download the models of this book The author Juan Martín García is teacher and a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.

As the complexity of our world increases systems thinking is emerging as a critical factor for success, and even survival. How then can people become skilled systems thinkers? The most effective learning experiences combine experience with reflection, theory with practice. Traditionally, theory was taught in school and university, and experience was gained in life outside those walls. But in the world of complex dynamic systems such as a business, society, or ecosystem, everyday experience fails because the time horizon and scope of the systems is so vast-we never experience the majority of the effects of our decisions. And without relevant experience, theory is uninteresting to students. The old ways of learning fail. When experiments in the real world are impossible, simulation becomes the main way we can learn effectively about the dynamics of complex systems. For this reason I'm pleased to introduce Juan Martin Garcia's book 'Theory and Practical Exercises of System Dynamics'. Juan combines theory and practice, experience and opportunities for reflection, so that newcomers to the field can learn for themselves how complex dynamic systems work. The examples span a range of important economic and social issues, from the aging of the population in developed economies to the course of contagious diseases to the accumulation of pollutants in the environment; everyone will find some examples here of direct personal interest. The modeling exercises guide the learner through the process of building a working simulation; students will not only learn about the issues addressed, and in the use of state of the art simulation software, but will develop skill in the modeling process. Juan has written a delightful first introduction to the field of system dynamics and complexity, and provides a much-needed addition to the literature available. John D. Sterman Index System Dynamics - Identifying the Problem - Defining the System - The Boundaries of a System - The Causal Diagram - Feedback - The Limiting Factor - The Key Factors - Classification of Systems - Generic Structures - World Models Building a Model - Flow Diagrams - Computer Simulation - Behaviour of the Model - Analysis of the System - Weaknesses of Models Guide to Creating a Model - Creating a Causal Diagram - Creating a Flow Diagram - Writing the conclusions Environmental System Dynamics - Population Growth - Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve - Effects of the Intensive Farming - The Fishery of Shrimp - Rabbits and Foxes - A Study of Hogs - Ingestion of Toxins - The Barays of Angkor Management System Dynamics - Production and Inventory - Global CO2 Emissions - How to work more and better - Managing of Faults - Project Dynamics - Innovatory Companies - Quality Control - The impact of a Business Plan Social System Dynamics - Filling a Glass - Dynamics of a Segmented Population - The Young Ambitious Worker - Development of an Epidemic - The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical System Dynamics - Dynamics of a Tank - Study of the Oscillatory Movements - Design of a Chemical Reactor The author Juan Martín García is a teacher and worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.

Today’s leading authority on the subject of this text is the author, MIT Standish Professor of Management and Director of the System Dynamics Group, John D. Sterman. Sterman’s objective is to explain, in a true textbook format, what system dynamics is, and how it can be successfully applied to solve business and organizational problems. System dynamics is both a currently utilized approach to organizational problem solving at the professional level, and a field of study in business, engineering, and social and physical sciences.

Community Based System Dynamics introduces researchers and practitioners to the design and application of participatory systems modeling with diverse communities. The book bridges community- based participatory research methods and rigorous computational modeling approaches to understanding communities as complex systems. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement both to understand the underlying system and to aid in implementation. Comprehensive in its scope, the volume includes topics that span the entire process of participatory systems modeling, from the initial engagement and conceptualization of community issues to model building, analysis, and project evaluation. Community Based System Dynamics is a highly valuable resource for anyone interested in helping to advance social justice using system dynamics, community involvement, and group model building, and helping to make communities a better place.

This book is the fastest and cheapest way to learn the use of Vensim. The book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Vensim is the most powerful software to create simulation models based on System Dynamics. It is a very friendly software and with the guide of this book it is possible to create the first simulation model in less than 10 minutes. All the exercises are designed to achieve a fast and complete learning. No previous knowledge in mathematics or computer science is necessary.Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That's done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to:1. Describe the components of a complex system. 2. Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. 3. Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. 4. Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system.The content of this book can be applied in many areas. In the business world, these topics are mainly used to address issues related to Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Marketing and Sales, Organization Redesign, Process Improvement, Implementation of operational plans. In general to build and sustain high performance over the long term, and ensure successful implementation of changes. In the academic world, these topics may be used to develop Final Projects or Doctorate, theses on diverse subjects.Index of items Environmental Area3.1. Population Growth 3.2. Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 3.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 3.5. Rabbits and Foxes 3.6. A Study of Hogs 3.7. Ingestion of Toxins 3.8. The Barays of Angkor 3.9. The Golden Number Management Area3.10. Production and Inventory 3.11. CO2 Emissions 3.12. How to Work More and Better 3.13. Managing Faults 3.14. Project Dynamics 3.15. Innovatory Companies 3.16. Quality Control 3.17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area3.18. Filling a Glass 3.19. A Catastrophe Study 3.20. The Young Ambitious Worker 3.21. Development of an Epidemic 3.22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area3.23. The Tank 3.24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 3.25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 3.26. The Butterfly Effect 3.27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (using Vensim PLE PLUS)3.28. Import data from an Excel file 3.29. Building Games and Learning Labs 3.30. Interactive models 3.31. Input Output Controls 3.32. Sensitivity AnalysisIndex of itemsDefined FunctionsSTEPMIN-MAXPULSEIF THEN ELSERANDOMRAMPABSEXPXIDZANDDELAY-SMOOTHTables or LookupsInternal table External tableModel SettingsInitial time not 0Units CheckTime Step valuesStock and Flow DiagramDraw a bi-flowMerge modelsShadow variablesCounter of TimeMultiple viewsAdd commentsInitial value of a StockQualitative variablesCausal Loop DiagramImages on the SFDCurved flowsDelay markSimulationsCompare simulationsReference Mode Simulate SetupSyntheSimIntegration methodOutputsOutput graphsOutput tablesCauses-strip toolLine MarkersX-Y graph

System Dynamics finds its main applications in the complex and ill-defined environments. System Dynamics is radically different from other techniques applied to the construction of models of socioeconomic systems, such as econometrics based on a behavioral approach. The basic objective of System Dynamics is to understand the structure that causes the behavior of the system. System Dynamics allows the construction of models after a careful analysis of the elements of the system. This book provides a clear and orderly vision of how to build a simulation model with System Dynamics.The System Dynamics finds its main applications in the complex and ill-defined environments, where the decisions of the human being intervene. The point of view of the System Dynamics is radically different from that of other techniques applied to the construction of models of socioeconomic systems, such as econometrics based on a behavioral approach. The basic objective of System Dynamics is to understand the structural causes that cause the behavior of the system.The System Dynamics allows the construction of models after a careful analysis of the elements of the system. This analysis allows to extract the internal logic of the model, and with it to try an understanding of the long-term evolution of the system.There is an extensive bibliography on System Dynamics, this book provides a clear and orderly vision of how to build a simulation model with this technique. It includes detailed modeling of environmental systems, business, social and physical systems.System DynamicsEnvironmental System Dynamics4.1. Population Growth 4.2. Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve 4.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 4.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 4.5. Rabbits and Foxes 4.6. A Study of Hogs 4.7. Ingestion of Toxins 4.8. The Barays of Angkor Business Dynamics4.9. Production and Inventory 4.10. CO2 Emissions 4.11. How to work more and better 4.12. Faults 4.13. Project Dynamics 4.14. Innovatory Companies 4.15. Quality Control 4.16. The impact of a Business Plan Social System Dynamics4.17. Filling a Glass 4.18. Dynamics of a Segmented Population 4.19. The Young Ambitious Worker 4.20. Development of an Epidemic 4.21. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Dynamics of Physical Systems4.22. The Tank 4.23. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 4.24. Design of a Chemical Reactor The diverse range of examples provided in this book, will allow readers to:- Build models without deep mathematical knowledge.- Simulate system behaviors and optimize complex systems.- Define strategies avoiding unintended consequences.- Evaluate the effectiveness of its policies.About the authorJuan Martín García is a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). It teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.