Vensim Fast Guide

This book is the fastest way to learn the use of Vensim. The book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That''s done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to: - Describe the components of a complex system. - Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. - Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. - Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system. The content of this book can be applied in many areas. In the business world, these topics are mainly used to address issues related to Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Marketing and Sales, Organization Redesign, Process Improvement, Implementation of operational plans. In general to build and sustain high performance over the long term, and ensure successful implementation of changes. In the academic world, these topics may be used to develop Final Projects or Doctorate, theses on diverse subjects. The book contains downloadable material ! Index of exercises Environmental Area 3.1. Population Growth 3.2. Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 3.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 3.5. Rabbits and Foxes 3.6. A Study of Hogs 3.7. Ingestion of Toxins 3.8. The Barays of Angkor 3.9. The Golden Number Management Area 3.10. Production and Inventory 3.11. Global CO2 Emissions 3.12. How to Work More and Better 3.13. Managing Faults 3.14. Project Dynamics 3.15. Innovatory Companies 3.16. Quality Control 3.17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area 3.18. Filling a Glass 3.19. A Catastrophe Study 3.20. The Young Ambitious Worker 3.21. Development of an Epidemic 3.22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area 3.23. Dynamics of a Tank 3.24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 3.25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 3.26. The Butterfly Effect 3.27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (Vensim PLE PLUS) 3.28. Import data from an Excel file 3.29. Building Games and Learning Labs 3.30. Interactive models 3.31. Input Output Controls 3.32. Sensitivity Analysis Index of items Defined Functions STEP MIN-MAX PULSE IF THEN ELSE RANDOM RAMP ABS EXP XIDZ AND DELAY-SMOOTH Tables or Lookups Internal table External table Model Settings Initial time not 0 Units Check Time Step values Stock and Flow Diagram Draw a bi-flow Merge models Shadow variables Counter of Time Multiple views Add comments Initial value of a Stock Qualitative variables Causal Loop Diagram Images on the SFD Curved flows Delay mark Simulations Compare simulations Reference Mode Simulate Setup SyntheSim Integration method Outputs Output graphs Output tables Causes-strip tool Line Markers X-Y graph About the author Juan Martín García is a teacher and worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.

This book is the fastest and cheapest way to learn the use of Vensim. The book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That's done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to: 1. Describe the components of a complex system. 2. Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. 3. Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. 4. Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system. The content of this book can be applied in many areas. In the business world, these topics are mainly used to address issues related to Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Marketing and Sales, Organization Redesign, Process Improvement, Implementation of operational plans. In general to build and sustain high performance over the long term, and ensure successful implementation of changes. In the academic world, these topics may be used to develop Final Projects or Doctorate, theses on diverse subjects. Index of items Environmental Area 3.1. Population Growth 3.2. Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 3.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 3.5. Rabbits and Foxes 3.6. A Study of Hogs 3.7. Ingestion of Toxins 3.8. The Barays of Angkor 3.9. The Golden Number Management Area 3.10. Production and Inventory 3.11. CO2 Emissions 3.12. How to Work More and Better 3.13. Managing Faults 3.14. Project Dynamics 3.15. Innovatory Companies 3.16. Quality Control 3.17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area 3.18. Filling a Glass 3.19. A Catastrophe Study 3.20. The Young Ambitious Worker 3.21. Development of an Epidemic 3.22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area 3.23. The Tank 3.24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 3.25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 3.26. The Butterfly Effect 3.27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (using Vensim PLE PLUS) 3.28. Import data from an Excel file 3.29. Building Games and Learning Labs 3.30. Interactive models 3.31. Input Output Controls 3.32. Sensitivity Analysis Index of items Defined Functions STEP MIN-MAX PULSE IF THEN ELSE RANDOM RAMP ABS EXP XIDZ AND DELAY-SMOOTH Tables or Lookups Internal table External table Model Settings Initial time not 0 Units Check Time Step values Stock and Flow Diagram Draw a bi-flow Merge models Shadow variables Counter of Time Multiple views Add comments Initial value of a Stock Qualitative variables Causal Loop Diagram Images on the SFD Curved flows Delay mark Simulations Compare simulations Reference Mode Simulate Setup SyntheSim Integration method Outputs Output graphs Output tables Causes-strip tool Line Markers X-Y graph

System Dynamics finds its main applications in the complex and ill-defined environments. System Dynamics is radically different from other techniques applied to the construction of models of socioeconomic systems, such as econometrics based on a behavioral approach. The basic objective of System Dynamics is to understand the structure that causes the behavior of the system. System Dynamics allows the construction of models after a careful analysis of the elements of the system. This book provides a clear and orderly vision of how to build a simulation model with System Dynamics.The System Dynamics finds its main applications in the complex and ill-defined environments, where the decisions of the human being intervene. The point of view of the System Dynamics is radically different from that of other techniques applied to the construction of models of socioeconomic systems, such as econometrics based on a behavioral approach. The basic objective of System Dynamics is to understand the structural causes that cause the behavior of the system.The System Dynamics allows the construction of models after a careful analysis of the elements of the system. This analysis allows to extract the internal logic of the model, and with it to try an understanding of the long-term evolution of the system.There is an extensive bibliography on System Dynamics, this book provides a clear and orderly vision of how to build a simulation model with this technique. It includes detailed modeling of environmental systems, business, social and physical systems.System DynamicsEnvironmental System Dynamics4.1. Population Growth 4.2. Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve 4.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 4.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 4.5. Rabbits and Foxes 4.6. A Study of Hogs 4.7. Ingestion of Toxins 4.8. The Barays of Angkor Business Dynamics4.9. Production and Inventory 4.10. CO2 Emissions 4.11. How to work more and better 4.12. Faults 4.13. Project Dynamics 4.14. Innovatory Companies 4.15. Quality Control 4.16. The impact of a Business Plan Social System Dynamics4.17. Filling a Glass 4.18. Dynamics of a Segmented Population 4.19. The Young Ambitious Worker 4.20. Development of an Epidemic 4.21. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Dynamics of Physical Systems4.22. The Tank 4.23. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 4.24. Design of a Chemical Reactor The diverse range of examples provided in this book, will allow readers to:- Build models without deep mathematical knowledge.- Simulate system behaviors and optimize complex systems.- Define strategies avoiding unintended consequences.- Evaluate the effectiveness of its policies.About the authorJuan Martín García is a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). It teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.

System dynamics simulation modelling technique is taught to students at undergraduate and graduate levels. The students are taught how to develop a system dynamics model of the system under study. This book is written to help students understand the concepts and fundamental elements of system dynamics simulation, and provide a step-by-step guide in conducting a system dynamics study. This book is suitable for students who are studying system dynamics simulation modelling at undergraduate and graduate levels. It offers the concepts and application of system dynamics as well as provides an approach for modelling effectively. Having read this book, the reader will be able to: Learn the concept of system dynamics simulation and its application, Understand the important steps of modelling process, and Conduct a system dynamics study successfully.

This book is the fastest and cheapest way to learn the use of Vensim. The book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Vensim is the most powerful software to create simulation models based on System Dynamics. It is a very friendly software and with the guide of this book it is possible to create the first simulation model in less than 10 minutes. All the exercises are designed to achieve a fast and complete learning. No previous knowledge in mathematics or computer science is necessary.Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That's done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to:1. Describe the components of a complex system. 2. Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. 3. Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. 4. Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system.The content of this book can be applied in many areas. In the business world, these topics are mainly used to address issues related to Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Marketing and Sales, Organization Redesign, Process Improvement, Implementation of operational plans. In general to build and sustain high performance over the long term, and ensure successful implementation of changes. In the academic world, these topics may be used to develop Final Projects or Doctorate, theses on diverse subjects.Index of items Environmental Area3.1. Population Growth 3.2. Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3.3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 3.4. The Fishery of Shrimp 3.5. Rabbits and Foxes 3.6. A Study of Hogs 3.7. Ingestion of Toxins 3.8. The Barays of Angkor 3.9. The Golden Number Management Area3.10. Production and Inventory 3.11. CO2 Emissions 3.12. How to Work More and Better 3.13. Managing Faults 3.14. Project Dynamics 3.15. Innovatory Companies 3.16. Quality Control 3.17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area3.18. Filling a Glass 3.19. A Catastrophe Study 3.20. The Young Ambitious Worker 3.21. Development of an Epidemic 3.22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area3.23. The Tank 3.24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 3.25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 3.26. The Butterfly Effect 3.27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (using Vensim PLE PLUS)3.28. Import data from an Excel file 3.29. Building Games and Learning Labs 3.30. Interactive models 3.31. Input Output Controls 3.32. Sensitivity AnalysisIndex of itemsDefined FunctionsSTEPMIN-MAXPULSEIF THEN ELSERANDOMRAMPABSEXPXIDZANDDELAY-SMOOTHTables or LookupsInternal table External tableModel SettingsInitial time not 0Units CheckTime Step valuesStock and Flow DiagramDraw a bi-flowMerge modelsShadow variablesCounter of TimeMultiple viewsAdd commentsInitial value of a StockQualitative variablesCausal Loop DiagramImages on the SFDCurved flowsDelay markSimulationsCompare simulationsReference Mode Simulate SetupSyntheSimIntegration methodOutputsOutput graphsOutput tablesCauses-strip toolLine MarkersX-Y graph

MORE THAN ONE MILLION COPIES IN PRINT • “One of the seminal management books of the past seventy-five years.”—Harvard Business Review This revised edition of the bestselling classic is based on fifteen years of experience in putting Peter Senge’s ideas into practice. As Senge makes clear, in the long run the only sustainable competitive advantage is your organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition. The leadership stories demonstrate the many ways that the core ideas of the Fifth Discipline, many of which seemed radical when first published, have become deeply integrated into people’s ways of seeing the world and their managerial practices. Senge describes how companies can rid themselves of the learning blocks that threaten their productivity and success by adopting the strategies of learning organizations, in which new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, collective aspiration is set free, and people are continually learning how to create the results they truly desire. Mastering the disciplines Senge outlines in the book will: • Reignite the spark of genuine learning driven by people focused on what truly matters to them • Bridge teamwork into macrocreativity • Free you of confining assumptions and mindsets • Teach you to see the forest and the trees • End the struggle between work and personal time This updated edition contains more than one hundred pages of new material based on interviews with dozens of practitioners at companies such as BP, Unilever, Intel, Ford, HP, and Saudi Aramco and organizations such as Roca, Oxfam, and The World Bank.

Creating a simulation model with System Dynamics is not easy, there is the risk of making serious mistakes that force the model to remain unfinished after having dedicated days of work. There are books and courses which show the steps to be taken in the process of creating a simulation model, but it is observed that some errors are repeated frequently. This book offers a different approach, instead of explaining how to create a simulation model, it shows the mistakes that are usually made. The book is designed for students who are looking for a quick manual to identify the most common mistakes made when creating simulation models by applying System Dynamics, to correct them before presenting their research or work. The experts will find in this book a list of points to check before making a presentation to their clients. The content of the book allows the reader to identify the errors described and take them into account before submitting or publishing a work. AN ESSENTIAL BOOK Content Causal Loop Diagram CLD 7 1. Guidelines 2. Definition of the elements 3. Loops and causal chains 4. Variable that depends on many other variables 5. Variables in a positive sense 6. Variables that do not influence anything 7. Variables with signs 8. Confusing diagrams Stocks and Flows Diagram SFD 25 9. Guidelines 10. One variable only once 11. Coherence of flows and their stocks 12. Flow concept 13. Stocks without flows, flows without stocks 14. Stocks only depend on flows 15. Arrows with signs 16. Uppercase for everything 17. Clouds that depend on variables 18. Two tables together 19. It depends, but it is constant 20. Obvious mistakes 21. Flows between two clouds 22. Impossible results Key points to review 55

This book allows the reader to acquire step-by-step in a time-efficient and uncomplicated the knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim. Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data, the simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models. That's done with the help of software Vensim that helps the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. At the end of the book, the reader is able to: - Describe the components of a complex system. - Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis. - Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software. - Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system. Content Environmental Area 1. Population Growth 2. Ecology of a Natural Reserve 3. Effects of the Intensive Farming 4. The Fishery of Shrimp 5. Rabbits and Foxes 6. A Study of Hogs 7. Ingestion of Toxins 8. The Barays of Angkor 9. The Golden Number Management Area 10. Production and Inventory 11. CO2 Emissions 12. How to Work More and Better 13. Faults 14. Project Dynamics 15. Innovatory Companies 16. Quality Control 17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area 18. Filling a Glass 19. A Catastrophe Study 20. The Young Ambitious Worker 21. Development of an Epidemic 22. The Dynamics of Two Clocks Mechanical Area 23. The Tank 24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 25. Design of a Chemical Reactor 26. The Butterfly Effect 27. The Mysterious Lamp Advanced Exercises (Vensim PLE PLUS) 28. Import data from an Excel file 29. Building Games and Learning Labs 30. Interactive models 31. Input Output Controls 32. Sensitivity Analysis Annex I. Guide to creating a model II. Functions, Tables and Delays III. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs IV. Download the models of this book The author Juan Martín García is teacher and a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.