Monday, September 13, 2010

Road Maps: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics



Introduction to Road Maps
To start learning more about Road Maps, please see the introduction to Road maps (D-4500-4) [34K]. Note that this is an Acrobat document (.pdf format) and you should have the Adobe Acrobat Reader or the Netscape version which supports the Acrobat format to view it. If you need help with getting the Acrobat reader, visit the Adobe Site or read our help page.
A note to those using Netscape to view Acrobat files: To properly save an Acrobat file, use the "Source" option instead of the "Text" option in the "Save As" dialog box.
Road Maps Help
Please use the webmaster@clexchange.org email address both for any technical questions regarding the downloading of Road Maps, and for questions and comments about the exercises and examples in Road Maps itself.
Road Maps Appendix
The Road Maps Appendix contains a collection of short papers that are designed to help the reader during the process of going through Road Maps. The papers include the Road Maps Glossary, A guide to using Vensim and converting from STELLA to Vensim, and a series of papers on system dynamics modeling.
Books
You will need several books to complete Road Maps.
Downloading
To download any chapter of Road Maps (with all of its papers and models), simply click on the (Mac) or (PC) label next to the name of the chapter, available in either SIT (Macintosh) or ZIP (PC) formats. To download a particular paper, click on the name of that paper. All documents are in the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. The approximate size of the archive is available besides each chapter for gauging download times.

Go to a Chapter:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |10| Appendix
road maps 0 Road Maps 0
  1. Introduction to Road maps (D-4500-10).
    2. This guide is a brief introduction to Road Maps, it gives a summary of the contents of each chapter, advises on the best way to use Road Maps and explains what you will need to begin your study.
road maps 1 Road Maps 1
  1. Road Maps 1: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics (D-4501-7)
    This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. System Dynamics and K-12 Teachers (J. Forrester) (D-4665-5)
    3. Introduces systems and feedback loops, two important ideas which will be further developed in more readings throughout Road Maps. A strong grasp of systems and feedback loops will build a good foundation for learning more advanced principles in system dynamics.
  3. System Dynamics and Learner-Centered-Learning in Kindergarten through 12th Grade Education [49K] (Jay W. Forrester) (D-4337)
    4. An argument for the necessity of change in the educational process and the applicability of system dynamics in K-12 education.
  4. Simulating Hamlet in the Classroom [74K]  (Pamela Hopkins) (D-4540-1)
    5. An example of a STELLA model successfully used in a high school English classroom.
  5. System Dynamics Meets the Press, an excerpt from The Global Citizen [29K] (Donella Meadows) (D-4143-1)
    6. A narration of experiences of a systems thinker and the struggle to use systems concepts correctly in today's society.
  6. Counterintuitive Behavior of Social Systems [464K]  (Jay W. Forrester) (D-4468-2)
    7. An introduction to the concepts of system dynamics, discussing social policies and their derivation from incomplete understanding of complex systems.
road maps 2 Road Maps 2
  1. Road Maps 2: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics [65K]  (D-4502-9)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. The First Step [367K]  (Leslie Martin) (D-4694)
    3. A hands-on introduction to system dynamics modeling that uses a series of simple population models.
  3. Beginner Modeling Exercises [135K]  (Leslie Martin) (D-4347-7)
    4. Exercises modeling constant flows. Develops understanding of the basic stock-and-flow structure through examples taken from a wide variety of systems.
  4. An Introduction to Feedback [132K]  (Leslie Martin) (D-4691)
    5. A first look at the positive and negative feedback loops found in system dynamics models.
  5. Graphical Integration Exercises Part1: Exogenous Rates  [106K] (A. Oh) (D-4547-1)
    6. An introduction to graphical integration of constant flows and step function flows.
  6. Introduction to Computer Simulation, Chapter 13 [339K] (N. Roberts et al.)
    7. A simple and understandable explanation of levels and rates.
  7. Formulating Models of Simple Systems Using Vensim PLE (Nelson Repenning) (D-4697-4)
    8. A beginner's tutorial for Vensim PLE. (The above document (D-4697-2) is not included in the "RM2.exe" file. Please download it separately)
road maps 3 Road Maps 3
  1. Road Maps 3: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics (D-4503-8)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Graphical Integration Exercises Part 2: Ramp Functions [109K] (Kevin Agatstein, Lucia Breierova) (D-4571)
    3. Graphical integration of linearly increasing and decreasing flows.
  3. Beginner Modeling Exercises Section 2: Mental simulation of Positive Feedback [46K] (Joseph Whelan) (D-4487) 
    4. Simple exercises on positive feedback systems.
  4. Beginner Modeling Exercises Section 3: Mental simulation of Negative Feedback [88K] (Helen Zhu) (D-4536-2)
    5. Simple exercises on negative feedback systems.
  5. Study Notes in System Dynamics, Exercises 4,5 (Michael Goodman)
    6. Exercises on first-order positive and negative feedback loops. Instructions on how to obtain this book are provided here as well as in Road Maps 3 (D-4503-4).
  6. Introduction to Computer Simulation, Chapter 15 (Nancy Roberts, et al.)
    7. Using simulation to analyze simple positive and negative feedback loops.
  7. Study Notes in System Dynamics, Section 3.10-3.12 (Michael Goodman)
    8. Simple examples of negative feedback systems.
  8. Study Notes in System Dynamics, Chapters 4,5 (Michael Goodman)
    9. An introduction to S-shaped growth, and a stepwise construction of a simple model.
  9. Urban Dynamics (Jay W. Forrester)
    10. An application of system dynamics to study urban problems. Instructions on how to obtain this book are provided here as well as in Road Maps 3 (D-4503-4).
road maps 4 Road Maps 4
  1. Road Maps 4: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics (D-4504-7)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Generic Structures: First order positive feedback loops  [80K]  (Stephanie Albin, Mark Choudhari) (D-4474-2)
    3. An introduction to the generic structure in positive feedback systems.
  3. Generic Structures: First order negative feedback loops [88K]  (Stephanie Albin) (D-4475-2)
    4. An introduction to the generic structure in negative feedback systems.
  4. Beginner Modeling Exercises Section 4: Mental Simulation: Adding constant flows [83K]  (Alan Coronado) (D-4546-2)
    5. Simple exercises on introducing a constant flow to positive and negative feedback systems.
  5. Building the Fish Banks Model & Renewable Resource Depletion (MAC)[521K] (PC)[368K] (Joseph Whelan, Matthew Halbower) (D-4543)
    6. Description of The Fishing Game and the building of a STELLA model of a fishing system.
  6. Problems with Causal Loop Diagrams [204K]  (George Richardson) (D-3312-1)
    7. A discussion of causal loop diagrams and the inherent problems associated with them.
road maps 5 Road Maps 5
  1. Road Maps 5: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics (D-4505-8)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Introduction to Delays, Chapter 17 (Nancy Roberts, et al.)
    3. Introducing the uses of delays in computer simulation.
  3. Answers to Exercises for Chapter 17: Introduction To Delays from Introduction to Computer Simulation [80K] (Kamil Msefer, Mark Choudhari) (D-4415-6)
    4. Solutions to exercises introducing the use of delays in computer simulation.
  4. Beginner Modeling Exercises Section 5: Mental simulation of Combining Feedbacks in First-Order Systems [134K] (Laughton Stanley, Helen Zhu) (D-4593-2)
    5. Simple exercises on systems producing S-shaped growth.
  5. Generic Structures: S-shaped growth I [87K] (Terri Duhon, Marc Glick) (D-4432-2)
    6. An introduction to generic structures in systems producing S-shaped growth.
  6. Dynamic Simulation Models: How Valid Are They? [24K] (Raymond Shreckengost) (D-4463)
    7. An outline of several tests that can be applied to a model to test validity.
  7. Teaching System Dynamics: Looking at Epidemics [212K] (Will Glass-Husain) (D-4243-3)
    8. Material for teaching system dynamics concepts through a game based on the spread of an epidemic.
  8. Graphical Integration Exercises Part 3: Combining Flows [222K] (Kevin Agatstein, Lucia Breierova) (D-4596)
    9. Graphical integration of combined inflows and outflows.
  9. Beyond the Limits (Donella Meadows, et al.)
    10. An insightful book about the need for a transition to a sustainable world. Instructions on how to obtain this book are provided here as well as in Road Maps 5 (D-4505-5).
road maps 6 Road Maps 6
  1. Road Maps 6: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics [85K] (D-4506-7)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Economics Supply and Demand (Joseph Whelan, Kamil Msefer) (D-4388-2)
    3. A system dynamics perspective on supply and demand.
  3. Generic Structures in Oscillating Systems I [88K] (Celeste Chung) (D-4426-3)
    4. Two real-life scenarios illustrating the transferability of an oscillation structure.
  4. Exploring S-Shaped Growth [229K] (Leslie Martin) (D-4476-2)
    5. Development of the concept of generic structures in systems producing S-shaped growth.
  5. Modeling Exercises: Section 1 [802K] (Joseph Whelan) (D-4421-2)
    6. The first of a series of independent modeling experiences.
  6. Systems thinking: critical thinking skills for the 1990s and beyond [696K] (Barry Richmond) (D-4565)
    7. An argument for teaching systems thinking through learner-centered learning as well as the application of systems thinking to the acquisition of various critical thinking skills.
road maps 7 Road Maps 7
  1. Road Maps 7: A Guide to Learning System Dynamics (D-4507-4)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Unexpected Behaviors in Higher-Order Positive Feedback Loops [112K] (Aaron Ashford) (D-4455-2)
    3. A discussion of possible behaviors that can occur in higher-order positive feedback loops.
  3. Mistakes and Misunderstandings: Examining Dimensional Inconsistency [16K] (Michael Shayne Gary) (D-4452-1)
    4. Examination of a model in which a dimensional inconsistency mistake was made, and a suggested improvement of the model.
  4. Modeling Exercises: Section 2 [230K] (Joseph Whelan) (D-4451-3)
    5. The second in a series of independent modeling experiences exploring an urban dynamics model and offering an exercise on mental simulation.
  5. Graphical Integration Exercises Part 4: Reverse Graphical Integration [158K] (Laughton Stanley) (D-4603)
    6. Explanation and methods of the process of reverse graphical integration: determing the graph of the net flow from the graph of the stock.
  6. System dynamics, systems thinking, and soft OR [32K] (Jay W. Forrester) (D-4405-1)
    7. The author's opinion on the differences between system dynamics, systems thinking, and soft operations research.
road maps 8 Road Maps 8
  1. Road Maps 8: A Guide To Learning System Dynamics (D-4508-4)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. Building a System Dynamics Model Part 1: Conceptualization [129K] (Stephanie Albin) (D-4597)
    3. A series of papers on the process of model-building starts with the first stage: conceptualization.
  3. Mistakes and Misunderstandings: Use of Generic Structures and the Reality of Stocks and Flows [67K] (Lucia Breierova) (D-4646-2)
    4. Examination and correction of a model, forced to fit a generic structure, in which the stocks do not represent real-world accumulations.
  4. Oscillating Systems 2: Sustained Oscillation [199K] (Kevin Agatstein) (D-4602-2)
    5. A detailed explanation of the structural causes of sustained oscillation illustrated with two real-life examples.
  5. An Introduction to Sensitivity Analysis [397K] (Lucia Breierova, Mark Choudhari) (D-4526-2)
    6. An introduction to the concepts and methods of sensitivity analysis of system dynamics models.
  6. Learning through System Dynamics as Preparation for the 21st Century [41K] (Jay W. Forrester) (D-4434-1)
    7. Prof. Forrester's keynote speech at the 1994 Systems Thinking and Dynamic Modeling Conference for K-12 Education proposes objectives that should be achieved through a system dynamics education.
road maps 9 Road Maps 9
  1. Road Maps 9: A Guide To Learning System Dynamics (D-4509-4)
    2. This guide will lead you through the readings. The guide provides a summary of the important insights and highlights the system principles learned in each chapter of Road Maps.
  2. The Credit Card Model [80K] (Manas Ratha) (D-4683-2)
    3. A model-building exercise that uses a simple credit-card model to demonstrate a characteristic behaviorof complex systems: short-term benefit, long term cost.
  3. Mistakes and Misunderstandings: Table Functions [96K] (Leslie Martin) (D-4653-2)
    4. A mistakes and misunderstandings paper that explains how to formulate robust and dimmensionally consistent table functions.
  4. Generic Structures: Overshoot and Collapse [322K] (Lucia Breierova) (D-4480)
    5. An introduction to the generic structure producing overshoot and collapse, using several real-world examples.
  5. Graphical Integration Exercises Part Five: Qualitative Graphical Integration [150K] (Manas Ratha) (D-4675)
    6. Exercises developing an intuitive, qualitative understanding of the process of graphical integration.
  6. A Skeptic's Guide to Computer Models [98K] (John D. Sterman) (D-4101-1)
    7. An overview of various computer modeling techniques, their characteristics, capabilities, and limitations.
road maps 10 Road Maps 10
  1. Road Maps 10
appendix Road Maps Appendix [750K] (Mac) (PC)
  1. Road Maps Glossary [24K] (D-4498)
    2. A dictionary of commonly used terms in the Road Maps series.
  2. Formulating Models of Simple Systems Using Vensim PLE [938K] (Nelson Repenning) (D-4697-2)
    A beginner's tutorial for Vensim PLE.
  3. Vensim Conversion Guide [15K] (Aaron Diamond) (D-4856)
    4. Highlights some of the differences in modeling with STELLA and Vensim PLE.
  4. System Dynamics Model Correctness Checklist [11K] (Rebekah Wabha and Danny Lai) (D-4851)
    5. A paper that describes some important steps for constructing a system dynamics model.
  5. Table Functions [135K] (Lei Lei and Nathaniel Choge) (D-4865)
    6. Table functions are helpful in formulating no-linear relationships between two variables.
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