The Delft Method for System Dynamics

Authors

Willem Auping, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Floortje d’Hont, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Merla Kubli, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Jill Slinger, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Patrick Steinmann, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Floris van der Heijde, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Els van Daalen, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management; Erik Pruyt, Center for Policy Exploration, Analysis and Simulation (PEAS); Wil Thissen, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management
Keywords: system dynamics, education, simulation modelling

Synopsis

The Delft Method for System Dynamics (SD) is a proven method for learning basic SD. The method focuses on learning by doing: first you try to work through an exercise, and if you do not understand something, then you can look up the theory. The book contains exercises on topics such as causal loop diagrams, delays, and when SD is an appropriate methodology. It also contains modelling exercises that show students how to build low to medium complexity models, and how to use these models for policy analysis. The theory chapters cover all phases of the modelling cycle: problem articulation, conceptualisation, formulation, evaluation (including validation and scenario analysis), and policy analysis. This book is intended for students and teachers in large or small System Dynamics courses, and for motivated students that want to learn SD at their own pace.

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Author Biographies

Willem Auping, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Willem Auping is a methodologist specialised in the impact deep uncertainty has on the way we develop and use simulation models.

Floortje d’Hont, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Floortje d'Hont is a policy analyst with a particular interest for the role of systems thinking in education, transdisciplinary research and participation.

Merla Kubli, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Merla Kubli is a systems researcher specialised in the business dynamics of climate solutions. She combines choice experiments with System Dynamics simulation to investigate consumer-provider interactions for emerging business models.

Jill Slinger, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Jill Slinger is a transdisciplinary water and coastal governance specialist, who held many key appointments at the interface between science and policy. Her expertise builds on mathematical and simulation modelling, field-based research on aquatic systems, and engagement with communities and policy makers.

Patrick Steinmann, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Patrick Steinmann is a decision support scientist, specialises in using simulation-based methods to enhance foresight and decision-making under deep uncertainty, particularly in the safety and security domain.

Floris van der Heijde, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Floris van der Heijde is a Master student Engineering & Policy Analysis at TU Delft, interested in simulation modelling and modelling supported decision-making. He was also actively involved in teaching activities throughout his master’s.

Els van Daalen, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Els van Daalen is a retired associate professor of policy analysis at TU Delft, interested in problem structuring, systems modelling, and serious gaming.

Erik Pruyt, Center for Policy Exploration, Analysis and Simulation (PEAS)

Erik Pruyt is a systems modeller and director of the Center for Policy Exploration, Analysis and Simulation, an organization that specialises in modelling complex issues and simulating them under uncertainty.

Wil Thissen, Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management

Wil Thissen is an emeritus professor interested in applying systems methodology to public decision problems.

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Published

November 19, 2024

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Details about this monograph

ISBN-13 (15)

978-94-6366-894-1