System Enquiry

Part 1 An overview of system dynamics: definition and outline of the system dynamics method; qualitative system dynamics; quantitative system dynamics; the value added at each phase of the method. Part 2 Qualitative system dynamics I - the components of diagrams: creating process structure; delays in processes; marketing organizational boundaries; creating information structure and strategy; further components of information flows; feedback loop. Part 3 Qualitative system dynamics II - the methodology and its application: model construction; model analysis; a case study in model construction and analysis - the ESS case; the testing of strategies prior to implementation. Part 4 Quantitative system dynamics - an overview of the quantification, simulation and use of models: quantification of models; the simulation concept; simulation equations; system behaviour; hand simulation; computer simulation; software; validation; improvement of system behaviour. Part 5 Quantitative system dynamics II - equation ofrmulation, model development and policy analysis: a staff recruitment and leaving (SRL) model; the averaged level; the SRL model with leaving rate control; the SRL model with fixed recruitment rate; the SRL model with nonlinear control; the SRL model with multiplier control; delays; delays and the SRL model. Part 6 A case study in long-term company evolution: interpretation of the problem in terms of feedback loops; identification of resources and states; construction of a composite qualitative model; equation construction; application of the model. Part 7 A case study in the control of a mineral transportation system: background to the problem; the problem; the conceptualization of the model; the STELLA software; equation formulation; effects of alternative bunker discharge policies; summary and conclusions from the policy analysis; quantifying the benefits of alternative bunker discharge policies; transfer of the algorithm to other systems; production policy design in coal mines; allocartion of defence resources; generalization of the algorithm; comments on the use of portable algorithms. Part 8 A case study in defence analysis: the problem; the identification of resource states and resource flows; the composite model; strategies and parameters in the model; equation formulation; results from the model; the underlying feedback model. Part 9 The basic concepts of systems dynamics optimization: the optimization concept; software features; optimization in action. Part 10 The analysis of defence strategies using optimization: the optimization of red strategies; results from experiments with red's objective functions; conclusions from optimizing red's strategies; the optimization of blue's strategies; results from experiments with blue's objective functions; conclusions from optimizing blue strategies.