System Dynamics Glossary
This is the System Dynamics Glossary compiled by David N. Ford and Accepted by Yaman Barlas. It was published on November 7th 2019 here: https://doi.org/10.1002/sdr.1641.
Introduction
As a narrowly focused dictionary, this glossary defines commonly used terms that are central to traditional system dynamics and some more general terms that have special meanings or particular importance within system dynamics. General terms that have no special meanings in system dynamics, application‐specific terms, and software‐specific terms are not included. The reader is referred to the relevant literature for those definitions, as well as detailed descriptions, explanations, and examples of the terms included here.
Click on the Concept to View the complete Description.
Concept | Description |
|---|---|
Parameters | Constant factors in relationships in a model. |
Period of oscillation | The time duration in which the oscillatory behavior repeats itself. The inverse of the frequency of oscillation. |
Phase plot | A plot of the behavior of one endogenous variable in relation to another endogenous variable. |
Pipeline delay | A fixed or discrete‐time delay. See conveyor. |
Polarity | See causal link polarity or feedback loop polarity. |
Policy | A decision rule or structure that uses information streams to generate decisions. |
Policy analysis | Analysis employed to evaluate policies to alleviate undesirable behaviors of a system. It allows the model builder to compare how a system would react to different policies through simulation. |
Policy resistance | Circumstances in which policies are delayed, diluted or defeated by the unforeseen reactions of various factors and (usually negative) feedbacks in the system. |
Positive feedback | A structure that produces exponential growth or collapse. Change in one direction results in more and faster change in the same direction. |
Positive feedback loop | See reinforcing feedback loop. |
Pulse function | See impulse. |
Ramp function | A common input variable that changes linearly over time. |
References
-
Argos Press. System dynamics applications: System dynamics glossary. Available: http://www.systemdynamicsapplications.com/glossary/ [4 September 2019]. Google Scholar
-
Doyle J, Ford DN. 1998. Mental model concepts for system dynamics research. System Dynamics Review 14( 1): 3– 29. Wiley Online Library Web of Science®Google Scholar
-
Lannon C. The vocabulary of systems thinking: A pocket guide. Systems thinker. Available: https://thesystemsthinker.com/the-vocabulary-of-systems-thinking-a-pocket-guide/ [4 September 2019]. Google Scholar
-
Road Maps Glossary. D‐memo D‐4498. Available: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/sloan-school-of-management/15-988-system-dynamics-self-study-fall-1998-spring-1999/readings/glossary.pdf [4 September 2019]. Google Scholar
-
Sterman J. 2000. Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. McGraw‐Hill: New York. Google Scholar
-
System Dynamics. Finding and resolving the root causes of the sustainability problem. Thwink.org. Available: https://www.thwink.org/sustain/glossary/SystemDynamics.htm [4 September 2019]. Google Scholar
-
Yearworth M. 2014. A brief introduction to system dynamics modeling. http://www.grounded.systems/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SD-Introduction-MY-241014.pdfGoogle Scholar