Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World with CD-ROM

Book Description

The leading authority on system dynamics explains this approach to organizational problem solving, emphasizing simulation models to understand issues such as fluctuating sales, market growth and stagnation, the reliability of forecasts and the rationality of business decision-making. The CD includes modeling software from Vensim, ithink, and PowerSim.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best SD books with connection to practical work.......2007-10-06

"Business Dynamics" is a great book leading the newcomer -as myself- into the field of SD and the experienced system dynamicist can use it as a knowledge pool.

Even though the book is rather expensinve -and heavy alike- it covers great wisdom of John Sterman (he is by the way a scholar of the founder of the field, Jay W. Forrester) and is more than worthwhile buying if you are strongly interested in the field.

I was lucky to meet John and Jay this summer during a specific SD workshop at MIT and the yearly System Dynamics Society Conference and could chat with both of them (they are both very practicably using SD with a strong academic background). Learning and getting more experienced in System Dynamics and the use for daily problem solving is a dynamic and evolving process of wisdom with lots of feedback ("Business Dynamics" can help a lot in getting deeper insights.

Best regards

Ralf

Excellent.......2007-08-29

Excellent guide to systems thinking, clear examples, clear thinking and very interesting conclusions reached. highly recommended

buen libro.......2007-02-22

como parte de la materia lo llevo, me salio mas barato que en mexico y me es util para mi carrera

Amazing.......2007-01-12

The definitive book on Business dynamics !
It may look dificult to follow, but it isn`t really easy to read and follow !
The cd brings good examples.

Edward Garrity, Professor of Information Systems.......2007-01-04

Sterman's book is far and away the best and most comprehensive book on system dynamics for business. Although the title is "Business Dynamics" it really is a text on applying system dynamics to both business and larger social issues/systems.

If you are a strong student of business and systems then this is the book for you. It is highly recommended if you are interested in learning the most you possibly can regarding system dynamics and how to model systems. However, if you are searching for an introduction to this area - watch out. The book is actually quite advanced - it is used at MIT and other graduate business programs at top universities.

What is amazing about this book is that it blends absolute precision, correctness and detail with practical modeling advice and insight and it is written in a relaxed style with numerous examples. It is one of the best examples of clear writing about a complex topic. Dr. Sterman's years of system work has allowed him a level of clarity that is unsurpassed in the business and systems area.

As mentioned earlier, the book can be overwhelming and I would recommend a newcomer to this area to pick up several books first, to provide a more gentle introduction. This is not a contradiction of what I wrote earlier, it is simply that the book packs so much information in its pages, and it is still very long.

Highly recommended.

Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, 2nd Edition

Average customer rating:

Good book for a first course in system modeling
A good introduction to the subject

Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Systems, 2nd Edition
Charles, M. Close , and Dean K. Frederick
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471125172

Book Description

The authors include systems from at least two disciplines in some depth to illustrate the commonality of the modeling and analysis techniques, to encourage students to avoid compartmentalizing their knowledge and prepare them to work on projects as part of an interdisciplinary team. Linear models are developed in terms of state-variable equations, input-output differential equations and transfer functions. Emphasizes such concepts as damping ratios, time constants, poles and zeros, mode and frequency-response functions. This revision demonstrates how to apply specific computer packages to linear and nonlinear models. Contains nearly 200 examples and over 400 end-of-chapter problems.

Customer Reviews:

Good book for a first course in system modeling.......2005-06-17

I had to buy this book for my last semester in electrical engineering. It is a good choice as an introduction to mathematical tools used in representation and analysis of dynamic systems, electrical or mecanical.

First, there are a few chapters about basic notions of dynamic (translational and rotational. You can pass this part quickly if you had a few mechanic classes, because it is just to show the good way to represent systems in modeling. Next, a good explanation of state variable modeling, transfert function, linear vs non linear equations, etc, is well written, with good examples, without too advanced maths. If you have learned basic notions in calculus and linear algebra, you can follow the text pretty easily.

A good introduction to the subject.......2001-02-02

Professional engineering these days strongly rely on accurate mathematical modelling of systems. This book is a good introduction to the subject without loosing the link to the numeral solving techniques. Advanced mathematical equations are omitted so this text will serve only as an introduction and not as a complete treatment. Nevertheless, it is a good book when starting to study mathematical modelling of physical systems.

Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems)

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learning to use STELLA on different problems
Dynamic Modeling, Second Edition
Great blend of concept and practice
Stimualting book for those interested in System Dynamics

Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems)
Bruce Hannon , and Matthias Ruth
Manufacturer: Springer
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0387988688

Book Description

Computer models offer a means of interpreting and analyzing the dynamics of real-world systems ranging from population growth to ozone depletion and a new section on modeling in genetics. Dynamic Modeling introduces an approach to modeling that makes it a more practical, intuitive endeavor. The book enables readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then to run the model and let it yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure of the model. Dynamic Modeling uses STELLA software to develop simulation models. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems. Part II offers general methods for modeling. Parts III through VIII apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. To develop and execute dynamic simulation models, Dynamic Modeling comes with STELLA run-time software compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, as well as computer files of sample models used in the book. Dynamic Modeling offers a clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, and will be of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

Customer Reviews:

learning to use STELLA on different problems.......2006-01-27

The book teaches the use of a modelling program called STELLA, that can be used to simulate the behaviour of dynamical systems. You can treat the text as an extended user's manual about the capabilities of STELLA. It appears to be an easy program to learn. Its user interface hides the gory details of coupled integro-differential equations that actually model the systems.

More generally, the theory of modelling a dynamical system is developed. With a deprecating of the maths. Showing how positive and negative feedback and randomness can or should be introduced. The idea is to introduce STELLA to a broad audience, who can then perform modelling. Where otherwise they might have been put off by the amount of maths to be understood or the amount of code to be written.

Then, several chapters go into important special cases. There is a chapter on chemical models for mass action. This chapter is a little terse. No mention of molecular dynamics, which has been a very active area of simulation for decades and is highly developed.

And a chapter on genetics, where evolution is discussed. Then a chapter on different types of models of ecologies. Including, naturally, the predator-prey models. And a perhaps very topical section on how epidemics might spread. This is important in trying to understand how to contain AIDS, SARS or a new influenza.

Economic modelling is also gone into. Simulating scarcity of resources and how firms might compete.

Dynamic Modeling, Second Edition.......2003-06-21

This is an excellent book for beginning and intermediate modelers. I found it to be engaging, practical, and easy to understand. Dynamic modeling has become an essential tool to facilitate understanding developments in our increasingly complex and interdependent world, to communicate ideas across disciplinary boundaries, and to help solve problems. This book is a great place to begin. It offers a hands-on introduction to dynamic modeling.

The authors start with an easy to understand, step-by-step description of the modeling process, key principles of modeling, and general methods of modeling. This is followed-up with and numerous examples from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. But this is not just a book to read. The book comes with run-time versions of the easy to learn STELLA and Madonna software as well as copies of the various models developed in each of the 37 chapters.

The authors encourage readers to build the models themselves as they work through the chapters, and then explore the dynamics by experimenting with the models. This is an active, fun way to learn. It definitely helped me to expand my systems thinking capability. Although my substantive interest is organizations, I learned a great deal by analogy from working through models of problems from other disciplines. Basic systems principles apply across disciplines, and useful insights can be gleaned from recognizing similar dynamic structures underlying different systems.

I particularly liked the instruction by example that is used throughout this book. I learned so much from this book because the reading and modeling, modeling and reading formed a positive feedback loop. The reading provided direction and engaged me in the modeling, and the modeling clarified and reinforced the concepts in the reading. Drawing from my experience with this book, I think it is ideal for those who are just getting started in dynamic modeling or have been learning for several years but want to sharpen and expand their systems thinking and modeling skills.

Great blend of concept and practice.......2003-06-20

I have been involved in static data modeling as part of database design throughout my career, and because of that know very well that to really learn how to model, you have to do more than listen to lectures or read a text. This book, along with the accompanying STELLA modeling tool, is an excellent blend of concept and practice.

The book begins with a short tutorial of the STELLA tool, a run-time version of which is included. (STELLA is very easy to use, and although the math underlying it relies heavily on differential equations, the user can be completely removed from that and still model effectively.) The early chapters gradually develop an understanding of dynamic modeling by building on basic concepts. The following chapters work through models in various areas, such as genetics, economics, and ecology, and provide exposure to modeling in these disciplines, as well as introducing some very interesting aspects of models, such as chaos, randomness, and non-predictable results.

By way of introduction to modeling concepts, case studies are presented clearly and concisely. These are followed by an explanation of a basic model of the system being examined. There are always additional questions that lead to expansion of the ideas being presented, so that the reader can increase their understanding and have opportunities to practice the skills presented.

I used this book for a course in Dynamic Modeling, and found it to be great in presenting the basic concepts of dynamic modeling and in developing a heightened awareness that any system being studied is really a dynamic process. It took this understanding to the next step and showed how to model that process and how to run the model and watch the dynamics in action, while honing the skills of analyzing, refining, and looking for trends and unanticipated results. The book opened up a whole new way of viewing systems for me.

Stimualting book for those interested in System Dynamics.......2002-06-05

The book is extremely well written and is so far the best attempt by any author(s)to achieve the right mix of theory and practice in the field of system dynamics. The organization of contents of the book is unique and it highlights the potential use of system dynamics principles for modeling a variety of hydro, ecological, environmental and engineered systems. The principles of system dynamics modeling and the complexities of physical systems are clearly explained by the authors and real-world examples from a number of disciplines are provided. Modelers can benefit from the actual code/examples from the simulation modeling environment, STELLA. The book includes a CD-ROM with all the examples/models discussed in the text to enhance the learning experience of modelers.

Modeling the Environment: An Introduction To System Dynamics Modeling Of Environmental Systems

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Great Book for Anyone
Great interdisciplinary book on environmental modeling
Modeling the Environment

Modeling the Environment: An Introduction To System Dynamics Modeling Of Environmental Systems
Andrew Ford
Manufacturer: Island Press
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Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1559636017

Book Description

Modeling the Environment is the first introductory textbook for a technique of rapidly growing importance. It requires little or no mathematical background, and is appropriate for undergraduate environmental students as well as professionals new to modelling. Developed from the author's own introductory course, it is classroom-tested and represents an important contribution to the field of system dynamics.

Modeling techniques that allow managers and researchers to see in advance the consequences of actions and policies are becoming increasingly important to environmental management. The models produced are vital analytical tools that aid the policy-setting and implementation process, and help us to understand how environmental systems respond to management interventions.

Modeling the Environment is a basic introduction to one of the most widely known and used modeling techniques, system dynamics. The book is designed to build the skills of students as they progress from learning fundamental ideas to constructing models of increasing complexity. Written in a clear and comprehensible style, the book:

presents basic concepts of modeling using system dynamics
illustrates the mechanics of model construction through a range of working models
offers a rich array of exercises for students to use in applying the principles and techniques described in the text
walks students through the design and application of models of specific types of environmental systems

In addition, the book contains more than 300 figures and model illustrations, and provides a guide to an interactive website where students can use the text to "navigate" management flight simulators ? models of both real and hypothetical systems developed by the author. The book also contains appendixes that help students review the necessary math, and which provide additional concepts and exercises for further study.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book for Anyone.......2006-12-12

This is a great book for anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of Stella software. The book is easy to read, and the examples and case studies are well chosen.

Great interdisciplinary book on environmental modeling.......2000-05-24

A highly readable introduction to environmental modeling. What distinguishes the book from other environmental science and environmental modeling works is its interdisciplinary treatment. In particular, the models integrate the physical world and the world of human behavior. Far too many environmental models fail to close the feedbacks between human behavior and the state of the environment, instead taking waste inputs or resource use as exogenous. This book helps students learn to model human behavior (social and economic) as an integral part of the ecological system. The models and software mean the book encourages active learning, and enable students to explore important issues on their own if they choose.

Modeling the Environment.......2000-04-24

This book is easy to read and contains clear examples of how to use stella software to model the environment. The marvel here is the software, not the book. For the software timid, it might suppliment the software users guide.

System Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems

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Great book

System Dynamics: Modeling and Simulation of Mechatronic Systems
Dean C. Karnopp , Donald L. Margolis , and Ronald C. Rosenberg
Manufacturer: Wiley
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Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471709654

Book Description

A revision of the bestselling system dynamics book using the bond graph approach

System Dynamics is a cornerstone resource for engineers faced with the evermore-complex job of designing mechatronic systems involving any number of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, and magnetic subsystems. This updated Fourth Edition offers the latest coverage on one of the most important design tools today-bond graph modeling-the powerful, unified graphic modeling language.

The only comprehensive guide to modeling, designing, simulating, and analyzing dynamic systems comprising a variety of technologies and energy domains, System Dynamics, Fourth Edition continues the previous edition's step-by-step approach to creating dynamic models. The first six chapters have been improved to make the material much more understandable for those unfamiliar with physical system modeling. The presentation starts with the basic elements and leads to sophisticated mathematical models suitable for automated computer simulation. The new edition incorporates the authors' vast experience in teaching the topics to undergraduate and graduate students over many years and features expanded coverage of topics including:
* New expositions of modeling methods for electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems
* New sections on mechanical systems in plane and three-dimensional motion
* New sections on hydraulic and acoustic systems

This Fourth Edition continues to stress all the essentials-from basic hand formulation of simple bond graph models to the automatic simulation of complex mechatronic systems. It offers updated examples of multi-energy domain systems as well as:
* Discussions of state-of-the-art simulation software for use with bond graph models
* Presentations of a multiport modeling philosophy based on power and energy interactions
* Methods for understanding system characteristics and predicting system behaviors
* The use of graphical depictions of dynamic systems that can be translated automatically into complex mathematical models for computer simulation

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2006-03-21

This book goes into great depth on systems. You'll like it. It's considered one of the best systems books.

Mediated Modeling: A System Dynamics Approach To Environmental Consensus Building

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Mediated Modeling: A System Dynamics Approach To Environmental Consensus Building
Marjan van den Belt
Manufacturer: Island Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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