The Delft Method for System Dynamics

Willem Auping; Floortje d’Hont; Merla Kubli; Jill Slinger; Patrick Steinmann; Floris van der Heijde; Els van Daalen; Erik Pruyt; Wil Thissen

doi:10.59490/tb.97

Authors

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

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59490/tb.97

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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

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

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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), The Netherlands

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, Faculty of Technology, Policy & Management, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

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

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The Delft Method for System Dynamics

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