Description
New Age International (P) Ltd., Publishers System Dynamics : A Practical Approach For Managerial Problems by Prof. Sushil
The book is intended to provide the System Dynamics methodology, its need, foundations, philosophy, problem solving steps, building blocks, process of modelling, validation, and analysis with applications to managerial problems. The book follows a practical and easy to learn approach so as to encourage the managers to learn and make use of this powerful yet simple methodology for better planning and policy analysis. The focus of the book is clearly reflected in the title. The redeeming feature of the book is the presentation of the subject matter in a questioning framework so as to develop clarity about the subject by answering possible queries in the readers mind in a systematic manner.
The book begins with the presentation of the need and introduction to the System Dynamics methodology, giving an overview of its historical development, philosophy, and view points and features. Then it reviews the applications of System Dynamics, and explores the type of managerial problems it can handle effectively. The basic features of a System Dynamics model are outlined, and the building blocks of the System Dynamics modelling, such as, causal loop diagramming, subsystem diagramming, policy structure diagramming, flow diagramming, equations, feedback structures and functions are discussed with simple examples.
The principles of the methodology and validation tests are provided. Finally, the type of sensitivity and policy analyses that can be performed and the use of System Dynamics models in practice, with its interfaces and future trends, are given. In the end, the book provides a glimpse of four managerial cases, one in each functional area, and a set of practice problems and cases to obtain a feedback on learning made by the reader.