System Dynamics, Models, CLD, and LRD Introduction Flashcards
What is a system?
A set of interacting components forming a whole.
What does a system respond to?
Responds to a set of inputs to yield an output.
Systems are _________.
bounded
DEFINE what a system is.
A functional unit comprising of specific interconnections (its structure) of functional sub-units which produce particular outputs for given inputs (its behaviour).
Describe the subunits of a system.
The subunits are interrelated, interconnected elements
What is abstraction?
Systems can be viewed at different levels of detail and this is called abstraction
What is dynamics?
Forces or properties that stimulate growth, development and change within a system.
When did system dynamics originate?
Originally developed in 1950s by Jay Forrester at MIT
Why was system dynamics developed?
It was developed to understand the social, business and economic phenomena.
What are the key components of system dynamics? (2)
- Powerful and versatile tool enabling the modelling of systems which allows us to gain a better understanding of the system
- Graphical representation of first order differential equations
What is a model?
A diagrammatic, graphical, mathematical representation of something in the real
world
Are models 100% accurate?
NO, they are never 100% accurate as there are assumptions and boundaries and are therefore oversimplified.
Why are models used?
They are used as gathering points for discussion regardless of background and understanding.
Describe qualitative data. (3)
Þ Words and descriptions
Þ Discover thoughts
Þ Add depth in understanding
Describe quantitative data. (3)
Þ Numbers and measurements
Þ Do calculations
Þ produce graphs
