System Dynamics from Coursera

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Syllabus

System Thinking

By the end of week 1, you will be able to: • Comprehend the foundational concepts of System Dynamics and systems thinking and recognize their importance in understanding and addressing complex problems in various disciplines. • Develop the ability to distinguish between analytical thinking and systems thinking approaches and appreciate the value of problem orientation and clear problem articulation for effective problem-solving. • Acquire a deeper understanding of the perspectives and contributions of key figures in the field, such as Jay W. Forrester and Russ Ackoff, and explore the practical applications of systems thinking in management and decision-making.

Causal Loops

By the end of week 2, you will be able to: • Develop a deep understanding of systems thinking, with a focus on feedback processes, causal loop diagrams, and the impact of delays on system behavior. • Understand how to create and interpret causal loop diagrams as a tool for analyzing relationships and feedback processes within complex systems. • Learn to identify and apply system archetypes and modes of dynamic behavior to real-world scenarios, enhancing decision-making and problem-solving abilities in various contexts.

Stocks and Flows

By the end of week 3, you will be able to: • Understand the fundamental concepts of stocks, flows, and auxiliary variables in System Dynamics, and learn how to differentiate between causal loop diagrams and stock-flow diagrams. • Gain hands-on experience with the Vensim software, including the installation process, creating and simulating System Dynamics models, and analyzing the behavior of models through simulations. • Apply the acquired System Dynamics modeling skills to real-world examples, such as the Retirement Fund model, to analyze the impact of different variables and explore the behavior of complex systems over time.

Bass Model

Examines the Bass Model for forecasting product adoption across markets. Students will explore diffusion Models, including advanced aspects like product obsolescence and repurchases. Vensim simulations will be employed to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills while analyzing real-world scenarios.

Dynamics of Growth

Focuses on the Dynamics of Growth, exploring various aspects such as product awareness, production costs, and product differentiation. Learners will analyze these dynamics through strategic modeling and systems thinking, applying their knowledge to real-world business scenarios. The module emphasizes understanding the role of feedback loops in growth dynamics and developing informed corporate strategies for long-term success.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops systems thinking skills, which are invaluable for analyzing complex problems across disciplines

Leverages the Vensim software, providing hands-on experience in dynamic modeling and simulation

Explores various system archetypes and modes of dynamic behavior, enhancing problem-solving abilities

Examines the Bass Model for forecasting product adoption, catering to learners interested in marketing and product management

Focuses on the Dynamics of Growth, addressing strategic modeling and systems thinking for business professionals

Requires a certain level of mathematical maturity for comprehending the concepts and models presented

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in System Dynamics with these activities:

Review Causal Loop Diagrams

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Review the concept of causal loop diagrams used in System Dynamics, it will help you to implement the related topics better.

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Check the syllabus and your notes for the relevant sections.
Study any available slides or handouts from previous classes.
Go through any practice problems or examples.

Compile a Resource List for System Dynamics

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Gather and organize useful resources such as articles, books, and online simulations to support your learning and understanding of System Dynamics.

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Search for relevant materials on System Dynamics concepts and applications.
Create a document or spreadsheet to organize the resources.
Include a brief description or annotation for each resource.

Review 'Thinking in Systems'

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Reinforce your understanding of System Dynamics concepts by reading and reflecting on a foundational text in the field.

View Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller on Amazon

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Obtain and read the book.
Make notes and highlight key concepts.
Engage in discussions with others about the book.

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Discuss System Dynamics Concepts

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Through discussion with peers, you will deepen your understanding of System Dynamics concepts by exchanging ideas and insights.

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Find a study partner or group.
Discuss the concepts that you are learning in class.
Work together to solve problems.

Practice Solving Bass Model Questions

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Solve practice problems and simulations related to the Bass Model to enhance your understanding of product adoption and diffusion processes.

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Review the Bass Model concepts and assumptions.
Attempt practice questions covering different scenarios of product adoption.
Use Vensim software to simulate and analyze Bass Model scenarios.

Practice Creating Stock-Flow Diagrams

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By practicing creating stock-flow diagrams, you will understand the relationships between variables in a system better.

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Find some practice problems or examples of stock-flow diagrams.
Try to create your own stock-flow diagrams for these problems.
Compare your diagrams to the provided solutions.

Analyze System Dynamics Models

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Engage in hands-on practice of analyzing and interpreting System Dynamics models to gain proficiency in identifying patterns and understanding model behavior.

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Study the fundamental principles of System Dynamics modeling.
Examine provided System Dynamics models.
Identify and analyze feedback loops, stocks, flows, and other components.

Attend a System Dynamics Simulation Workshop

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Participate in a workshop to enhance your skills in using System Dynamics software for simulation and modeling.

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Identify and register for an appropriate workshop.
Attend the workshop.
Participate actively in the simulations and exercises.

Participate as a Peer Tutor

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Share your knowledge and enhance your understanding by assisting other students in grasping System Dynamics concepts and techniques.

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Offer your services as a peer tutor.
Prepare and organize your tutoring sessions.
Provide guidance and support to students.

Learn about Bass Model

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By understanding the Bass Model, you will be able to forecast product adoption across markets, which is a key concept in System Dynamics.

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Find some online tutorials or articles about the Bass Model.
Follow the steps in the tutorials to learn how to use the model.
Try to apply the model to a real-world scenario.

Design a System Dynamics Model

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Apply your acquired knowledge by designing and simulating a System Dynamics model to analyze a real-world problem or scenario.

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Identify a suitable problem or scenario for System Dynamics modeling.
Develop a causal loop diagram representing the system dynamics.
Translate the causal loop diagram into a stock-flow model using Vensim software.
Simulate and analyze the model, experimenting with different inputs and parameters.

Build a System Dynamics Model

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Building a System Dynamics model will help you to understand the behavior of complex systems and how to use Vensim software.

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Choose a real-world problem that you want to model.
Develop a conceptual model of the system.
Create a Vensim model of the system.
Simulate the model and analyze the results.

Develop a Proposal for a System Dynamics Intervention

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Apply your knowledge to propose a System Dynamics intervention aimed at addressing a real-world problem or improving a process.

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Identify a problem or challenge that can benefit from a System Dynamics approach.
Develop a causal loop diagram or stock-flow model to analyze the system.
Propose specific interventions based on your analysis.
Write a proposal outlining your intervention and its potential impact.

Career center

Learners who complete System Dynamics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Business Analyst

Business Analysts are responsible for identifying and documenting the needs of a business. They work with stakeholders to define problems and develop solutions. System Dynamics may be of use in this role as it focuses on analyzing dynamic relationships within systems, which can help Business Analysts understand the complex interactions of a business and its environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts bridge the gap between business users and IT professionals, helping to determine how technology can be used to solve business problems and improve efficiency. Those working in this role often have a strong understanding of system dynamics and are able to apply it to design, implement, and maintain complex systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency of systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare. The System Dynamics course can help Operations Research Analysts develop the skills they need to model and analyze complex systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants work with businesses to improve their performance through the use of various techniques including problem-solving, data analysis, and strategic planning. They may also specialize in a particular area such as operations, finance, or marketing. The System Dynamics course can help Management Consultants develop the skills they need to analyze complex business problems and develop effective solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment recommendations and develop financial plans. They work in a variety of industries, including banking, insurance, and investment management. System Dynamics may be of use in this role as they learn to analyze dynamic relationships within systems, which can help them understand the complex interactions of the financial markets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Public Policy Analyst

Public Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The System Dynamics course can help Public Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data, and to build and analyze models that describe public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Policy Analyst

Data Scientist

The System Dynamics course helps Data Scientists understand how systems behave over time and interact with each other. This understanding is essential for building accurate and effective models. The course also helps Data Scientists develop the skills they need to collect, clean, and analyze data.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts are highly skilled professionals that use mathematical and statistical models to analyze complex data. Their responsibilities include developing models that forecast various outcomes, as well as using programming languages to write code that helps automate and execute these models. System Dynamics may be useful to a Quantitative Analyst as system dynamics can help them build models for complex systems that can be used for forecasting and planning.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers study consumer behavior and market trends. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. The System Dynamics course can help Market Researchers develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data, and to build and analyze models that describe consumer behavior.

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Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop and evaluate transportation plans. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and traffic counts. The System Dynamics course can help Transportation Planners develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data, and to build and analyze models that describe transportation systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They work in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. The System Dynamics course may be useful in this role as it can help Software Engineers understand how complex systems behave over time, which can be helpful when designing and developing software applications.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including field studies, laboratory experiments, and computer modeling. The System Dynamics course can help Environmental Scientists develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data, and to build and analyze models that describe environmental systems.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including insurance, pensions, and healthcare. The System Dynamics course can help Actuaries develop the skills they need to build and analyze models that assess risk and uncertainty.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the distribution and determinants of disease. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and medical records. The System Dynamics course can help Epidemiologists develop the skills they need to collect and analyze data, and to build and analyze models that describe the spread of disease.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They use a variety of tools to analyze economic data, including mathematical models and statistical techniques. The System Dynamics course can help Economists develop the skills they need to build and analyze economic models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist