Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling

COURSE OUTLINE: This course will introduce students to systems thinking and system dynamics (SD) methodology, to model, simulate, analyze, understand and discuss complex issues. SD focuses on the structure and dynamic behavior of systems composed of interacting feedback loops. The system structure is captured using causal loop diagrams (CLDs) or stock-flow diagrams (SFDs). This course will introduce model- building using CLDs and SFDs notations. Examples and scenarios will be drawn from various business, social, economic, environmental and ecological systems.

Course Introduction: Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling.
Week 1: Lecture 1.1: Introduction to Systems Thinking.
Week 1: Lecture 1.2: Systems Thinking and System Dynamics.
Week 1: Lecture 2.1: Causal Loop Diagram (CLD).
Week 1: Lecture 2.2: Guidelines to build CLD-I.
Week 1: Lecture 2.3: Guidelines to build CLD-II.
Week 1: Lecture 3.1: Guidelines to build CLD-III.
Week 1: Lecture 3.2: Examples of CLD.
Week 2: Lecture 4.1: Study Traffic Congestion using CLD-I.
Week 2: Lecture 4.2: Study Traffic Congestion using CLD-II.
Week 2: Lecture 5.1: Stock & Flow Diagram Brief History.
Week 2: Lecture 5.2: Stock & Flow Diagram: Basics-I.
Week 2: Lecture 5.3: Stock & Flow Diagram: Basics-II.
Week 2: Lecture 6.1: Stock & Flow Diagram: Basics-III.
Week 2: Lecture 6.2: Graphical Integration.
Week 2: Lecture 6.3: Patterns of Behaviour: Types.
Week 3: Lecture 7.1: Dynamics of Positive Feedback systems.
Week 3: Lecture 7.2: Doubling Time in Positive Feedback systems.
Week 3: Lecture 7.3: Introduction to Modeling using Vensim software.
Week 3: Lecture 8.1: Dynamics of Negative Feedback system: Introduction.
Week 3: Lecture 8.2: Dynamics of Negative Feedback System: Modelling in Vensim.
Week 3: Lecture 8.3: Negative Feedback Loop: Analytical equation.
Week 3: Lecture 9.1: Dynamics of Negative Feedback System: Extension of Model.
Week 3: Lecture 9.2: Zero-Value Goal system, Positive and Negative Loop Systems.
Week 4: Lecture 10.1: Dynamic of Simple Structures: S-Shaped Growth limited by Capacity.
Week 4: Lecture 10.2: Dynamic of Simple Structures: S-Shaped Growth- Conversion of CLD to SFD.
Week 4: Lecture 10.3: Dynamic of Simple Structures: S-Shaped Growth- Customisation in Vensim.
Week 4: Lecture 10.4: Dynamic of Simple Structures: Extension of model to include death rate.
Week 4: Lecture 11.1: Dynamic of Simple Structures: Examples of systems exhibiting S-shaped growth.
Week 4: Lecture 11.2: Dynamic of Simple Structures: Second Structure of S-Shaped Growth.
Week 4: Lecture 11.3: Dynamic of Simple Structures: SFD of New Products.
Week 4: Lecture 12.1: Diffusion Model and parameter estimation-I.
Week 4: Lecture 12.2: Diffusion Model and parameter estimation-II.
Week 4: Lecture 13.1: Bass Diffusion Model.
Week 4: Lecture 13.2: Bass Diffusion Model(Contd.).
Week 5: Lecture 14.1: Modeling Delays: Material Delay.
Week 5: Lecture 14.2: Modeling Delays: Graphical Representation.
Week 5: Lecture 14.3: Modeling Delays: Higher order Material Delay.
Week 5: Lecture 15.1: Delays: Information Delay.
Week 5: Lecture 15.2: Delays: Modeling Information Delay.
Week 5: Lecture 15.3: Delays: Higher Order Information Delay.
Week 5: Lecture 16.1: Second Order Systems: Romeo and Juliet Model.
Week 5: Lecture 16.2: Second Order Systems: The Red and the Black, Gone with the Wind.
Week 5: Lecture 16.3: Lecture 43: Modeling Oscillations Part-I.
Week 6: Lecture 16.4: Lecture 44: Modeling Oscillations Part-II.
Week 6: Lecture 17.1: Modeling Non-linear Relations: Introduction.
Week 6: Lecture 17.2: Modeling Non-linear Relations: Table or Lookup function.
Week 6: Lecture 18.1: Formulation Non Linear Relationship Table Functions: Part I.
Week 6: Lecture 18.2: Formulation Non Linear Relationship Table Functions: Part II.
Week 6: Lecture 19.1: Stock Management Structure: Part I.
Week 6: Lecture 19.2: Stock Management Structure: Part II.
Week 7: Lecture 20.1: Supply Chain Models-I.
Week 7: Lecture 20.2: Supply Chain Models-II.
Week 7: Lecture 20.3: Lecture 53: Supply Chain Models-III.
Week 7: Lecture 21.1: Supply Chain Models-IV.
Week 7: Lecture 22.1: Modeling Example: Societal Ageing.
Week 7: Lecture 23.1: Testing System Dynamics Models: Introduction with example 1.
Week 7: Lecture 23.3: Testing System Dynamics Models: Example 2.
Week 7: Lecture 23.3: Testing System Dynamics Models: Example 3.
Week 8: Lecture 24.1: Model Validation and Policy design.
Week 8: Lecture 24.2: Sensitivity analysis and policy analysis.
Week 8: Lecture 25.1: Modeling Example.
Week 8: Lecture 25.2: System Archetypes.
Week 8: Lecture 26: Course Wrap-up.