System Dynamics : Theory and Applications ; Edited by Brian Dangerfield

Abstract

The Springer volume on “System Dynamics. Theory and Applications” (2020), edited by Brian Dangerfield, substantially contributes to strengthening the position of feedback modeling and simulation in both research and practice in various policy analysis domains. The 23 chapters, of which the book consists, cover a wide scope of fields ranging from theory and methodology (part II) to practical applications of system dynamics (SD) to solve different real-life problems (part III). In particular, the methodological chapters provide a suitable conceptual framework for the subsequent chapters which illustrate the benefits from applying SD to specific policy fields and contexts. A well-balanced mix of chapters in part II of the book is very helpful to understand how both qualitative and quantitative issues are relevant for SD modeling and how they can be handled properly. Examples include the use of SD as a facilitating method for group model bulding, model validation, optimization of SD models, and methods for structural dominance analysis. The chapters in part III cover a broad set of topics across public and private sector applications and different disciplinary fields in policy analysis and management. Examples include business policy and strategy; public policy (including health care, national defense, environment energy and climate change, and poverty alleviation), operations management, project management, workforce planning, and innovation management.