Tag: introductory
Showing 10 of 42 results (by popularity)
Modeling for What Purpose?
System dynamics does not impose models on people for the first time—models are already present in everything we do. One does not have a…
The Common Flaw of All Problem-Solving Models
We suspect that every reader of this newsletter has been steeped in articles and classes on a myriad of problem-solving techniques. We have all…
Anchoring Model Development in Causal Loop Diagrams
As a consultant working in the field of systems thinking, I am continually amazed by the ease with which people are able to read…
Keeping Performance up to Speed
Last week, while I was waiting for a phone call at my home office, I ran a utility program on my relatively new computer…
Paper Fold: An Exercise in Exponential Growth
The behaviors of all ecological and human systems result from cause-and-effect links that make up reinforcing (positive) or balancing (negative) feedback loops. Generally speaking,…
Encouraging the “Epidemic” Spread of Change
Why did the crime rate in New York City drop so dramatically starting in 1993? How is it that some products—such as Hush Puppies…
Causal Loop Construction: The Basics
Systems thinking has been described as a language for talking about the complex, interdependent issues managers face every day. Within that framework, causal loop…
In Search of the Perfect Causal Loop Variable
Imagine that you’re sitting in the company cafeteria with some colleagues, munching sandwiches and discussing the latest resignation from the customer service group. “I…
We Can’t Afford to “Wait and See” on Climate Changes
Recent Bush administration statements on climate change just do not add up. The U. S. President and his advisers refer to the heat-trapping effects…
Managing Delays
My husband, Hal, and I rented a houseboat and traveled down the beautiful St. Johns River in Florida. After a short lesson at the…