System enquiry using system dynamics

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the merits of system dynamics as a total systems methodology. Specifically, the presentation will undertake to review the need for and the requirements demanded of such problem-solving methodologies, to briefly explore the dilemma resulting from historic attempts to create them and to present changes to the existing system dynamics method which might improve its conformity and acceptability as such a methodology. These include the formal definition of qualitative system dynamics and, to provide much-needed guidance in its application, the presentation of a set of rigorous rules, namely those of stepwise influence diagramming, aimed at enhancing problem exploration and model development, and qualitative analysis, aimed at identifying critical system components and exploring the effects of change.