Alberto De Marco
Associate Professor
System Dynamics
Politecnico di Torino
About this Course
The System Dynamics module introduces to the methodologies and practices that are useful to model and simulate complex systems, analyze policy implications, and solve problems in a variety of organizations and situations. At the end of the module, participants gain a better understanding of the complexity of management systems and are given the tools to create models and computer simulations that help solve problems related to the undesired performance of organizations and management systems. System dynamics are useful tools to understand the causes of complex problems and implement appropriate policy recommendations to correct deviations and control the system on track. The unintended and unexpected side effects of managerial actions can be avoided by modeling a system of interconnected variables and running case-scenario simulations to measure the impact of various policies affecting the system’s independent and dependent variables.
The module provides participants with knowledge of archetypical behaviours of complex systems, measurement metrics, and policy making tools to help predict, manage and control. Participants learn how to qualitatively model a system using causal feedback loops, draw a stock and flow diagram with auxiliary variables to represent a problem and to run simulations.
The module presents varied applications in the fields of diffusion of innovation and technology, logistics and project management.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
• Build a model and run simulations by using system dynamics software tools;
• Select the variables affecting a business system or problem and justify their connections;
• Illustrate a business or management system and analyse various case-scenarios;
• Explain the archetypical behaviours of a business or management system and discuss policy implications;
• Recall the main principles of system thinking and system dynamics to predict future performance and solve complex managerial problems.
Requirements
Basic mathematical knowledge about state equations and knowledge of key performance variable and indicators in business and management.
Level of teaching
The module is an introduction to using the System Dynamics methodology for management and organization science. The target audience should have an advanced level of managerial theory and practice.
Course Staff
Giovanni Zenezini
Postdoctoral Researcher