This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

 

Calendar

SES # TOPICS
1 Introduction and Overview: Purpose, Tools and Concepts of System Dynamics
2 System Dynamics Tools Part 1: Problem Definition and Model Purpose
3 System Dynamics Tools Part 2: Building Theory with Causal Loop Diagrams
4 System Dynamics Tools Part 3: Mapping the Stock and Flow Structure of Systems
5 System Dynamics Tools Part 4: Dynamics of Stocks and Flows
6 System Dynamics Tools Part 5: Linking Feedback with Stock and Flow Structure
7 System Dynamics Tools Part 6: Linking Feedback with Stock and Flow Structure (continued)
8 Growth Strategies Part 1: Modeling Innovation Diffusion and the Growth of New Products
9 Growth Strategies Part 2: Network Externalities, Complementarities, and Path Dependence
10 Growth Strategies Part 3: Modeling the Evolution of New Medical Technologies
11 Interactions of Operations, Strategy, and Human Resource Policy: People Express
12 Guest Lecture: Business Dynamics at General Motors (Nick Pudar, Mark Paich)
13 Managing Hyper Growth: Lessons from People Express

End of 15.871
14 System Dynamics in Action: Re-engineering the Supply Chain in a High-Velocity Industry
15 Managing Instability Part 1: Formulating and Testing Robust Models of Business Processes
16 Managing Instability Part 2: The Supply Line and Supply Chains
17 Managing Instability Part 3: Forecasting and Feedback: Bounded Rationality or Rational Expectations?
18 Managing Instability Part 4: Business Cycles: Real Estate and Oil Tankers
19 Guest Lecture: Jay W. Forrester
20 System Dynamics in Action: The Dynamics of Project Management-On Time and Under Budget
21 System Dynamics in Action: Applications of System Dynamics to Environmental and Public Policy Issues
22 System Dynamics in Action: Process Improvement in the Semiconductor Industry
23 Guest Lecture: System Dynamics in Action - Jim Lyneis
24 System Dynamics in Action: The Implementation Challenge
Conclusion: How to Keep Learning, Follow-up Resources, Career Opportunities, Course Evaluations