What is System Dynamics Modeling?
System Dynamics modeling approach is used to understand the behavior of a system over time. The approach is used to organize the problem and help determine the effectiveness of proposed solutions so that priorities could be set and guidance could be provided to practitioners and policy makers. The main focus of this approach is on the flow of feedback that occurs within a system and the system behaviors that result from these flows. System Dynamics Modeling can: • account for much more complexity than our mental models—allow us to simultaneously examine combinations of programs, policies, and practices; • simulate the effects of impacts and lags over time (you don’t have to wait years to see if something has the desired effect); • uncover potential unintended consequences; • eliminate the need to experiment on different players in the system to evaluate different programs.
