Common mistakes in System Dynamics

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.