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Systems Archetypes as Dynamic Theories
Most people are familiar with the Sufi tale of the four blind men, each of whom is attempting (unsuccessfully) to describe what an elephant…
Selecting Variable Names for Causal Loop Diagrams
When first beginning to draw a causal loop diagram, don’t spend a lot of time up front trying to select the “perfect” variable name.
Modeling “Soft” Variables
When encountering system dynamics modeling for the first time, sharp-minded managers often ask, “How can you have any confidence in your model if you…
Weaving Systems Thinking into the K–12 Curriculum
Thanks to the recently revised science and environmental sustainability education standards in the Washington State K–12 system, teachers are now required to teach and…
Tragedy of the Commons: All for One and None for All
In this issue we return to our coverage of systems archetypes — dynamic structures that are found repeatedly in diverse settings. In future issues, we…
Stress Management–Whose Job Is It?
Stress management — long the domain of psychiatrists and therapists — is increasingly being recognized by corporate America as a critical workforce issue. The reason…
Using “Fixes That Fail” to Get Off the Problem-Solving Treadmill
It’s Monday morning. You’ve just settled in at your desk to catch up on some reading, when the phone rings. The program manager of the…
Levels of Understanding: “Fire-fighting” at Multiple Levels
It’s another busy night in the hospital emergency room. Several car accident victims have been rushed into surgery, one little boy is having a…
“Accidental Adversaries”: When Friends Become Foes
Big Machines, an equipment manufacturer, decides to form a strategic alliance with Special Parts, Inc., a custom-designed components supplier. The partnership goes well until…
Designing Effective Learning Environments
Imagine you are part of a healthcare team that has developed a computer model to grapple with the complex and often conflicting factors involved…