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.

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 - CO2 Emissions - How to work more and better - 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.

In order to address the twenty-first-century challenges of decarbonisation, energy security and cost-effectiveness it is essential to understand whole energy systems and the interconnection and interaction between different components. An integrated language is therefore needed to assist energy policymakers and to help industrial stakeholders assess future energy systems and infrastructure and make realistic technical and economic decisions. Whole Energy System Dynamics provides an interdisciplinary approach to whole energy systems; providing insights and understanding of it in the context of challenges, opportunities and solutions at different levels and time steps. It discusses approaches across disciplinary boundaries as well as existing issues within three main themes: theory, modelling and policy, and their interlinkage with geopolitics, markets and practice. Spataru argues that there is an urgent need for a whole energy system integration. This is necessary for effective analysis, design and control of the interactions and interdependencies involved in the technical, economic, regulatory and social dimensions of the energy system. This book is essential reading for students interested in the area of energy systems, policy and modelling. It is also a valuable read for policymakers, professionals, researchers, academics, engineers and industrial stakeholders.

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.

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.

The essential introduction to the principles and applications of feedback systems—now fully revised and expanded This textbook covers the mathematics needed to model, analyze, and design feedback systems. Now more user-friendly than ever, this revised and expanded edition of Feedback Systems is a one-volume resource for students and researchers in mathematics and engineering. It has applications across a range of disciplines that utilize feedback in physical, biological, information, and economic systems. Karl Åström and Richard Murray use techniques from physics, computer science, and operations research to introduce control-oriented modeling. They begin with state space tools for analysis and design, including stability of solutions, Lyapunov functions, reachability, state feedback observability, and estimators. The matrix exponential plays a central role in the analysis of linear control systems, allowing a concise development of many of the key concepts for this class of models. Åström and Murray then develop and explain tools in the frequency domain, including transfer functions, Nyquist analysis, PID control, frequency domain design, and robustness. Features a new chapter on design principles and tools, illustrating the types of problems that can be solved using feedback Includes a new chapter on fundamental limits and new material on the Routh-Hurwitz criterion and root locus plots Provides exercises at the end of every chapter Comes with an electronic solutions manual An ideal textbook for undergraduate and graduate students Indispensable for researchers seeking a self-contained resource on control theory

For a one-semester senior or beginning graduate level course in power system dynamics. This text begins with the fundamental laws for basic devices and systems in a mathematical modeling context. It includes systematic derivations of standard synchronous machine models with their fundamental controls. These individual models are interconnected for system analysis and simulation. Singular perturbation is used to derive and explain reduced-order models.

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

A user-friendly introduction to some of the most useful analytical tools for model building, estimation, and analysis, presenting key methods and examples. Simulation modeling is increasingly integrated into research and policy analysis of complex sociotechnical systems in a variety of domains. Model-based analysis and policy design inform a range of applications in fields from economics to engineering to health care. This book offers a hands-on introduction to key analytical methods for dynamic modeling. Bringing together tools and methodologies from fields as diverse as computational statistics, econometrics, and operations research in a single text, the book can be used for graduate-level courses and as a reference for dynamic modelers who want to expand their methodological toolbox. The focus is on quantitative techniques for use by dynamic modelers during model construction and analysis, and the material presented is accessible to readers with a background in college-level calculus and statistics. Each chapter describes a key method, presenting an introduction that emphasizes the basic intuition behind each method, tutorial style examples, references to key literature, and exercises. The chapter authors are all experts in the tools and methods they present. The book covers estimation of model parameters using quantitative data; understanding the links between model structure and its behavior; and decision support and optimization. An online appendix offers computer code for applications, models, and solutions to exercises. Contributors Wenyi An, Edward G. Anderson Jr., Yaman Barlas, Nishesh Chalise, Robert Eberlein, Hamed Ghoddusi, Winfried Grassmann, Peter S. Hovmand, Mohammad S. Jalali, Nitin Joglekar, David Keith, Juxin Liu, Erling Moxnes, Rogelio Oliva, Nathaniel D. Osgood, Hazhir Rahmandad, Raymond Spiteri, John Sterman, Jeroen Struben, Burcu Tan, Karen Yee, Gönenç Yücel

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.