ENHANCING THE SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELING PROCESS WITH A DOMAIN MODELING METHOD

2013 ◽  
Vol 22 (02) ◽  
pp. 1350011 ◽  
Author(s):  
FIONA P. TULINAYO ◽  
PATRICK VAN BOMMEL ◽  
H. A. (ERIK) PROPER
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Modeling Method ◽  
Flow Diagram ◽  
Domain Modeling ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
National Medical ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Object Role Modeling

Defining complex system dynamics (SD) models in complex organizational settings is hard. This is so because the numbers of variables to consider are many and the question of causation is complicated to untangle. Second, SD models are ambiguous and hard to conceptualize. In this paper, we explore the use of a domain modeling method object-role modeling (ORM) in the process of developing SD models. We do so, because domain modeling methods help to identify relationships among entities within the scope of the problem domain and provide a structural view of the domain. The addition of a domain modeling method to the process of developing SD models is to improve SD model conceptualization, enable transformation and reuse of information plus underpin SD with a domain modeling method that allows creation of database. To realize this, we come up with a procedure in our overall research which we refer to as grounded system dynamics (GSD) a combination of ORM and SD. To reason about the combination of SD with a domain modeling method (ORM), we identify and evaluate relationships between their constructs. Basing on the identified relations, ORM to stock and flow diagram (SFD) steps are defined and applied to a real-life case study national medical stores (NMS) situated in Uganda. On completion, we draw conclusions.

Bottom-up modeling approach and mesoscopic simulations in traffic system dynamics models

SIMULATION ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-324
Author(s):  
V Bureš ◽  
L Režný ◽  
M Zanker
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Transportation Systems ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Road Transportation ◽  
Bottom Up ◽  
Modeling Approach ◽  
Potential System ◽  
Mesoscopic Simulations

The application of system dynamics modeling in various domains enables its continuous development and improvement. Transportation systems are associated with a necessity to tame their complexity. Despite its potential, system dynamics as a specific methodological and modeling approach is implemented only occasionally and application to road transportation systems is sporadic. Existing studies focus mostly on a macroscopic level of modeling. Thus, this study demonstrates how system dynamics can develop and simulate models at the meso level. It is based on an unconventional bottom-up modeling approach grounded in the modeling of T-shaped, X-shaped, and roundabout crossroads as fundamental building blocks. Model modularity enables its extension to any type of road network with the required structure or complexity. Model applicability is verified by testing on a case study in real-life settings. Modeling issues associated with this modeling approach and application domain are explained and possible solutions proposed. By developing a bottom-up approach and mesoscopic simulations, this study brings uniqueness and a certain level of novelty into the realm of system dynamics and traffic transportation modeling and simulation.

Systems dynamics model of a transition firm

2005 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-80
Author(s):  
David L. Olson ◽  
Paraskeva Dimitrova‐Davidova ◽  
Ivan Stoykov
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Multiple Criteria ◽  
Dynamics Simulation ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Dynamics Model ◽  
Pedagogical Tool ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Eastern European Countries

Eastern European countries are undergoing a transition from centralized economic planning to more open economic systems. A team of Bulgarian and U.S. researchers have collaborated to study this problem, using a real Bulgarian winery as the focus of their research. System dynamics modeling was selected as a tool to provide better understanding of management issues. A framework for future objective research, and as a pedagogical tool. This system dynamics model generates output on a number of measures. This paper presents initial output from the model, reporting profit ability, risk, and market share measures. These multiple measures create the need for multiple criteria analysis. Three multiple criteria techniques are demonstrated, and their value in the system dynamics simulation modeling process is discussed.

scholarly journals Modeling the Growth of Boko Haram Using System Dynamics

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-117
Author(s):  
Jadalaine Ferrer ◽  
Jillian Wisniewski
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Boko Haram ◽  
Organizational Growth ◽  
Department Of State ◽  
Modeling Process

This study uses a systems dynamic approach to understand how the attacks conducted by Boko Haram influence the group’s growth. Boko Haram originated in the early 2000s under Muhammad Yusuf, but the group did not become known for its violence until 2009 (Oftedal, 2013). In 2013, the United States designated Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (U.S. Department of State, 2013). The Nigerian government’s efforts to eliminate the group’s influence in northern Nigeria and neighboring countries has not been successful. As Africa enters the world spotlight, the need for curbing the influence of Boko Haram strengthens. The system dynamics modeling process provides a method of understanding the relationships within the underlying structures that drive the scope of influence of Boko Haram, including organizational growth, media coverage, and attack efficacy. A formalized system dynamics model provides a basis for policy recommendations to counteract the group’s efforts.

scholarly journals Towards a System Dynamics Modeling Method Based on Dematel

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Fadwa Chaker ◽  
Abdellah El Manouar ◽  
Mohammed Abdou Janati Idrissi
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Modeling Method ◽  
System Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Dynamics Modeling

Modeling for System´s Understanding

2013 ◽  
pp. 38-61
Author(s):  
Marisa A. Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Mathematical Functions ◽  
Causal Loop ◽  
Simulation Process ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Flow Diagrams ◽  
Irreducible Uncertainty ◽  
Made In

The purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of System Dynamics modeling and to highlight its potential as a tool for system´s understanding. Although the work is not intended to cover all the activities involved in a simulation process, the authors present the steps in the modeling process. The authors first summarize the role of Causal Loop diagrams in the modeling process. The authors then introduce Stock-and-flow diagrams and describe how they can be defined using mathematical functions. Along this chapter the authors claim that System Dynamics is an adequate modeling tool for “partially reducible uncertainty” and “irreducible uncertainty” problems. Finally, the authors discuss that in System Dynamics, validity means adequacy with respect to a purpose, and hence it cannot be made in absolute terms and the authors briefly introduce a set of techniques for testing structure and accuracy.

scholarly journals Beyond Proximity: Consequentialist Ethics and System Dynamics

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Kristin Palmer
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Moral Philosophy ◽  
Moral Worth ◽  
Ethical Framework ◽  
Dynamics Modeling ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Moral Value ◽  
Philosophical Perspective ◽  
Modeling Process ◽  
Dynamics Models

<p>Consequentialism is a moral philosophy that maintains that the moral worth of an action is determined by the consequences it has for the welfare of a society. Consequences of model design are a part of the model lifecycle that is often neglected. This paper investigates the issue using system dynamics modeling as an example. Since a system dynamics model is a product of the modeler’s design decisions, the modeler should consider the life cycle consequences of using the model. Seen from a consequentialist perspective, the consequences of policies developed from system dynamics models determine the model’s moral value (ethical/unethical). This concept is explored by discussing model uncertainty from an engineering perspective. In this perspective, the ethical considerations shift from the behavior of the modeler (and away from validation) to the model itself and the model’s inherent uncertainty. When the ethical considerations are taken away from the modeler and directed to what the model does, the ethical boundaries extend beyond the proximity of the model. This discussion renews the ethics conversation in system dynamics by considering this shift in philosophical perspective, and investigates how consequentialist moral philosophy applies to the modeling process and in communicating with decision-makers. A model of social assistance in Norway in the context of immigration pressures illustrates some possibilities for addressing these ethical concerns. This paper argues for an ethical framework, or at the very least, an ethical conversation within the field of system dynamics.</p><p><span>Article first published online: 25 FEB 2017</span></p>

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