Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems) [Hardcover]

Bruce Hannon (Author), Matthias Ruth (Author), D.H. Meadows (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0387988688 | ISBN-13: 978-0387988689 | Publication Date: January 5, 2001 | Edition: 2nd

The book uses STELLA software to develop simulation models, thus allowing readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then run it to yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems, while Part II offers general modeling methods. Parts III through VIII then apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. A clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From a review of first edition: "[The authors] demonstrate convincingly that … one can learn a lot about building and experimenting with and simulating dynamic models in a number of fields.  ... Highly recommended for all studying model building and practical applications of systems theory." - Choice

Product Details

• Hardcover: 388 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2nd edition (January 5, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0387988688
• ISBN-13: 978-0387988689
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #484,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #63 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Physics > Chaos Theory
  • #79 in Books > Computers & Technology > Computer Science > Software Engineering > Methodology

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stimualting book for those interested in System Dynamics, June 5, 2002

By 

Ramesh Teegavarapu, Ph.D. (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems) (Hardcover)

The book is extremely well written and is so far the best attempt by any author(s)to achieve the right mix of theory and practice in the field of system dynamics. The organization of contents of the book is unique and it highlights the potential use of system dynamics principles for modeling a variety of hydro, ecological, environmental and engineered systems. The principles of system dynamics modeling and the complexities of physical systems are clearly explained by the authors and real-world examples from a number of disciplines are provided. Modelers can benefit from the actual code/examples from the simulation modeling environment, STELLA. The book includes a CD-ROM with all the examples/models discussed in the text to enhance the learning experience of modelers.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dynamic Modeling, Second Edition, June 20, 2003

By 

David Gillespie (New Haven, Missouri United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book for beginning and intermediate modelers. I found it to be engaging, practical, and easy to understand. Dynamic modeling has become an essential tool to facilitate understanding developments in our increasingly complex and interdependent world, to communicate ideas across disciplinary boundaries, and to help solve problems. This book is a great place to begin. It offers a hands-on introduction to dynamic modeling.

The authors start with an easy to understand, step-by-step description of the modeling process, key principles of modeling, and general methods of modeling. This is followed-up with and numerous examples from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. But this is not just a book to read. The book comes with run-time versions of the easy to learn STELLA and Madonna software as well as copies of the various models developed in each of the 37 chapters.

The authors encourage readers to build the models themselves as they work through the chapters, and then explore the dynamics by experimenting with the models. This is an active, fun way to learn. It definitely helped me to expand my systems thinking capability. Although my substantive interest is organizations, I learned a great deal by analogy from working through models of problems from other disciplines. Basic systems principles apply across disciplines, and useful insights can be gleaned from recognizing similar dynamic structures underlying different systems.

I particularly liked the instruction by example that is used throughout this book. I learned so much from this book because the reading and modeling, modeling and reading formed a positive feedback loop. The reading provided direction and engaged me in the modeling, and the modeling clarified and reinforced the concepts in the reading. Drawing from my experience with this book, I think it is ideal for those who are just getting started in dynamic modeling or have been learning for several years but want to sharpen and expand their systems thinking and modeling skills.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great blend of concept and practice, June 19, 2003

By 

"jrizner" (Evanston, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dynamic Modeling (Modeling Dynamic Systems) (Hardcover)

I have been involved in static data modeling as part of database design throughout my career, and because of that know very well that to really learn how to model, you have to do more than listen to lectures or read a text. This book, along with the accompanying STELLA modeling tool, is an excellent blend of concept and practice.

The book begins with a short tutorial of the STELLA tool, a run-time version of which is included. (STELLA is very easy to use, and although the math underlying it relies heavily on differential equations, the user can be completely removed from that and still model effectively.) The early chapters gradually develop an understanding of dynamic modeling by building on basic concepts. The following chapters work through models in various areas, such as genetics, economics, and ecology, and provide exposure to modeling in these disciplines, as well as introducing some very interesting aspects of models, such as chaos, randomness, and non-predictable results.

By way of introduction to modeling concepts, case studies are presented clearly and concisely. These are followed by an explanation of a basic model of the system being examined. There are always additional questions that lead to expansion of the ideas being presented, so that the reader can increase their understanding and have opportunities to practice the skills presented.

I used this book for a course in Dynamic Modeling, and found it to be great in presenting the basic concepts of dynamic modeling and in developing a heightened awareness that any system being studied is really a dynamic process. It took this understanding to the next step and showed how to model that process and how to run the model and watch the dynamics in action, while honing the skills of analyzing, refining, and looking for trends and unanticipated results. The book opened up a whole new way of viewing systems for me.