Aggiornato A.A. 2020-2021
SYSTEM DYAMICS MODELLING AND SIMULATION FOR INTELLIGENT ORGANIZATIONS (SYSDYN)
(6 CFU - 36 hours)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 5pm-7pm
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical notions for the interpretation and management of complex dynamic systems. At the end of the course the Participants:
KNOWLEDGE:
- will know the spread in the world and possible areas of application of System Dynamics methodology
- will know theoretical and practical elements of System Thinking approach and System Dynamics models
UNDERSTANDING:
- will be able to interpret thought System Thinking approach the complex phenomena observed in reality
- will be able to understand and interpret existing static and dynamic models
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE:
- will learn to build static (System Thinking Maps) and dynamic (System Dynamics Models) models on PC, using for this purpose Vensim PLE software
- will be able to reproduce through System Thinking approach the complex phenomena observed in reality
- will be able to identify the points where the system is sensitive to interventions and test alternative scenarios that emerge with alternative hypotheses (policy design)
MAKING JUDGEMENTS:
- will acquire the ability to reason according System Thinking approach, overcoming the rigid mental patterns and limited rationality that can influence their actions
- will be able to synthesize and simplify complex concepts
COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
- will acquire the technical language used by the System Thinking / Dynamics methodologies
LEARNING SKILLS:
- will improve the ability to make decisions in all areas
- will acquire the aptitude for problem solving
During the course Participants will also know the “2030 Agenda” for Sustainable Development and its SDGs. Students will be stimulated to interpret by System Thinking/System Dynamics approach a complex phenomena observed in reality: The impacts of COVID-19 on Sustainable Development.
PROGRAM
PART I – GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE
Lesson 1
Introduction to the course: objectives, contents, structure, rules, final exam.
Project Work. Research topic: “The impacts of Covid-19 on 2030 Agenda SDGs”
Lesson 2
THEORY: 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
EXERCISE 1
DISCUSSION 1
Lesson 3
THEORY: Why System Thinking (ST)/System Dynamics (SD)?
- Introduction to ST, SD and modeling process
- Dissemination of the ST/SD in the world and areas of application
Project Work Check
PART II - SYSTEM THINKING
Lesson 4
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Variables and Relationships between variables
- Positive link between variables
- Introduction to Vensim PLE program
EXERCISE 2 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 2
Lesson 5
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Variables and relationships between variables
- Negative link between variables
EXERCISE 3 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 3
Lesson 6
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Positive Feedback Loops
EXERCISE 4 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 4
Lesson 7
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Negative Feedback Loops
EXERCISE 5 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 5
Lesson 8
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Systems Archetypes (Part 1)
“Negative circle with delay”
EXERCISE 6 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 6
Lesson 9
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Systems Archetypes (Part 2)
“Limits to growth”
EXERCISE 7 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 7
Lesson 10
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Systems Archetypes (Part 3)
“Fixes that fail” and “Procrastinating on interventions”
EXERCISE 8 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 8
Lesson 11
THEORY and EXAMPLES: ST. Systems Archetypes (Part 4)
-“Eroding goals”
-“Escalation”
-“Success to the successful”
-“Tragedy of the commons”
-“Growth and underinvestment”
EXERCISE 9 on Vensim PLE
DISCUSSION 9
Lesson 12
Applications of ST Methodology
The Model “Impacts of Crisis at Local Level”
The Model “Centralization of purchasing in healthcare”
Examples of Systems Archetypes abouth “Cost–Cutting plans”
The Model “Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy”
Lesson 13
Project Work Discussion 1
ST model “The impacts of Covid-19 on 2030 Agenda SDGs”
PART III - SYSTEM DYNAMICS
Lesson 14
THEORY: SD. Level, flow and auxiliary variables.
EXERCISE 10 on Vensim PLE: building a simple SD model
DISCUSSION 10
Lesson 15
THEORY: Modeling Functions:
- Modeling a time/historical series of data
EXERCISE 11 on Vensim PLE
Lesson 16
Applications of SD Methodology
The dynamics and economic impact of the cultural event “La Notte Bianca Romana”
Lesson 17
Applications of SD Methodology
System Dynamics for Covid-19
Lesson 18
Project Work Discussion 2
SD Model “The impacts of Covid-19 on 2030 Agenda SDGs”
Teaching methods adopted
The course includes theoretical lectures, PC simulations, short tasks (practical exercises) and a PROJECT WORK requiring a written report, the construction of a simulation model and an oral presentation (see Project Work Format).
Each lesson (2 hour) is generally divided into 3 parts:
- LECTURE (THEORY)
- EXERCISE
- DISCUSSION
Modality: Distance learning. Llink to Microsoft Teams classroom: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/team/19%3a52ee570a7fed4fc48f212166d0ef4675%40thread.tacv2/conversations?groupId=209c59b2-1217-4641-8447-c2fa88caef42&tenantId=24c5be2a-d764-40c5-9975-82d08ae47d0e
Team Code: 937cy62
Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended.
Learning verification methods and criteria
Assessment consists of evaluating a project work. The project work consists of a written report (70% of the final grade) and an oral presentation (30% of the final grade).
Project work includes the exercises carried out during the course (or independently for non-attending students); the Format for Project Work is available among the course materials (and it is illustrated in the introductory lesson).
Teaching Materials and Text (for attendant and not attendand studens):
Text: Senge P. (1990), The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization, Doubleday.
All the Slides, Videos and Articles* uploaded on the course Team.
NB: see “Project Work Format” and “Syllabus” files for details (uploaded on Microsoft Team).
Prof.ssa Lucia Leonelli
