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.

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.

Systems Thinking, System Dynamics offers readers a comprehensive introduction to the growing field of systems thinking and dynamic modelling and its applications. The book provides a self-contained and unique blend of qualitative and quantitative tools, step-by-step methodology, numerous examples and mini-cases, as well as extensive real-life case studies. The content mix and presentation style make the otherwise technical tools of systems thinking and system dynamics accessible to a wide range of people. This book is intended as a text for students in diverse disciplines including business and management, as well as the social, environmental, health and applied sciences. It also has particular relevance for professionals from all backgrounds interested in understanding the dynamic behaviour of complex systems, change management, complex decision making, group problem solving and organisational learning. Systems thinking and system dynamics provide a scientific paradigm, a set of tools and computer technology which can help explain the forces and dynamics that underlie change and complexity in business, political, social, economic and environmental systems. Using systems thinking and system dynamics makes it possible to: examine and foresee the consequences of policy and strategic decisions implement fundamental solutions to chronic problems avoid mistakenly interpreting symptoms as causes test assumptions, hypotheses and scenarios boost staff morale and improve productivity improve the stability and performance of supply chains find long-term sustainable solutions and avoid ‘fire-fighting’ behaviour.

Kim Warren presents a complete framework in the field of Strategic Management. The book combines theory with clearly illustrated examples to examine the concept of financial performance and the tools that can be used to improve it.

This book aims to develop models and modeling techniques that are useful when applied to all complex systems. It adopts both analytic tools and computer simulation. The book is intended for students and researchers with a variety of backgrounds.

"Analytical System Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation" combines results from analytical mechanics and system dynamics to develop an approach to modeling constrained multidiscipline dynamic systems. This combination yields a modeling technique based on the energy method of Lagrange, which in turn, results in a set of differential-algebraic equations that are suitable for numerical integration. Using the modeling approach presented in this book enables one to model and simulate systems as diverse as a six-link, closed-loop mechanism or a transistor power amplifier.

"David Stroh has produced an elegant and cogent guide to what works. Research with early learners is showing that children are natural systems thinkers. This book will help to resuscitate these intuitive capabilities and strengthen them in the fire of facing our toughest problems."—Peter Senge, author of The Fifth Discipline Concrete guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning—for everyone! Donors, leaders of nonprofits, and public policy makers usually have the best of intentions to serve society and improve social conditions. But often their solutions fall far short of what they want to accomplish and what is truly needed. Moreover, the answers they propose and fund often produce the opposite of what they want over time. We end up with temporary shelters that increase homelessness, drug busts that increase drug-related crime, or food aid that increases starvation. How do these unintended consequences come about and how can we avoid them? By applying conventional thinking to complex social problems, we often perpetuate the very problems we try so hard to solve, but it is possible to think differently, and get different results. Systems Thinking for Social Change enables readers to contribute more effectively to society by helping them understand what systems thinking is and why it is so important in their work. It also gives concrete guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning without becoming a technical expert. Systems thinking leader David Stroh walks readers through techniques he has used to help people improve their efforts on complex problems like: ending homelessness improving public health strengthening education designing a system for early childhood development protecting child welfare developing rural economies facilitating the reentry of formerly incarcerated people into society resolving identity-based conflicts and more! The result is a highly readable, effective guide to understanding systems and using that knowledge to get the results you want.

William Palm's System Dynamics is a major new entry in this course offered for Mechanical, Aerospace and Electrical Engineering students, as well as practicing engineers. Palm's text is notable for having the strongest coverage of computational software and system simulation of any available book. MATLAB is introduced in Chapter 1, and every subsequent chapter has a MATLAB Applications section. No previous experience with MATLAB is assumed; methods are carefully explained, and a detailed appendix outlines use of the program. M-files are provided on the accompanying Book Website for all users of the book. SIMULINK is introduced in Chapter 5, and used in subsequent chapters to demonstrate the use of system simulation techniques. This textbook also makes a point of using real-world systems, such as vehicle suspension systems and motion control systems, to illustrate textbook content.