System Dynamics II
Emphasizes tools and methods needed to apply systems thinking and simulation modeling successfully in diverse real-world settings, including supply chains, forecasting, project management, process improvement, service operations, and platform-based businesses, among others. Uses simulation models, management flight simulators, and case studies to deepen the conceptual and modeling skills introduced in 15.871 . Through models and case studies of successful applications students develop proficiency in how to use qualitative and quantitative data to formulate and test models, and how to work effectively with senior executives to implement change successfully. Expectations and evaluation criteria differ for students taking half-term graduate version; consult syllabus or instructor for specific details.
Fall 2013
Continuation of _15.871_, emphasizing tools and methods needed to apply systems thinking and simulation modeling successfully in complex real-world settings. Uses simulation models, management flight simulators, and case studies to deepen the conceptual and modeling skills introduced in _15.871_. Through models and case studies of successful applications students learn how to use qualitative and quantitative data to formulate and test models, and how to work effectively with senior executives to implement change successfully.
Readings
- The following table notes the days for which readings are to be prepared (NOTE: before the class in which we discuss them). It also indicates which sections of the text you should be sure to read to learn the material you will need to do the assignments, and which sections you can skim ( NOTE : ‘skim’ ≠ ‘skip’).
- [BD] = Sterman, J. Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World . McGraw-Hill / Irwin, 2000. ISBN: 9780072389159.
- SES #: 1 · TOPICS: System Dynamics in Action: Re-engineering the Supply Chain in a High-velocity Industry · READINGS DUE: [BD] Read Chapter 11, and skim sections 11.6, and 11.7.
- SES #: 2 · TOPICS: Managing Instability Part 1: Formulating and Testing Robust Models of Business Processes · READINGS DUE: [BD] Read Sections 13.1, 13.2.1-13.2.9, 13.3, and 13.4.
- SES #: 3 · TOPICS: Managing Instability Part 2: The Supply Line and Supply Chains · READINGS DUE: [BD] Read Sections 17.1, 17.2, and 17.3.
- SES #: 4 · TOPICS: Managing Instability Part 3: Forecasting and Feedback: Bounded Rationality or Rational Expectations? · READINGS DUE: [BD] Read Chapter 16.
- SES #: 6 · TOPICS: Cutting Corners and Working Overtime: Service Quality Management · READINGS DUE: [BD] Read Sections 14.1-14.4.
- SES #: 7 · TOPICS: Service Quality Dynamics: Customer Service at Dell · READINGS DUE: No reading due.
- [BD] Read Chapter 2.3.
- [BD] Read Chapter 22.
Prerequisites & course information
Prereq: 15.871 G (Spring; second half of term) Not offered regularly; consult department 3-0-3 units Credit cannot also be received for 15.737
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026–2027
- MIT OpenCourseWare ↗Fall 2013
- MIT OCW readings ↗
- MIT OCW syllabus ↗
- Historical MIT OpenCourseWare offering. Named reading entries and schedule topics are automatically extracted from the linked source pages.