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System dynamics as a systems-based problem-solving methodology

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Abstract

Systems dynamics is concerned with using systems ideas to increase understanding of various types of phenomena and to aid in the decision-making which determines action upon the processes involved. Developments within system dynamics have occurred mainly independently of advances in the broader systems movement. In this paper an attempt is made to bring to bear on system dynamics some recent work which considers the character of systems-based problem-solving methodologies. System dynamics is placed within a framework which enables the relative strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to be identified. This leads to a deeper understanding of some of the critiques of system dynamics and enables some issues to be outlined which may help to strengthen the theoretical base of system dynamics methodology and hence improve its ability to tackle practical situations.

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Keys, P. System dynamics as a systems-based problem-solving methodology. Systems Practice 3, 479–493 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01064156

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