Customer Reviews

Modeling the Environment: An Introduction To System Dynamics Modeling Of Environmental Systems

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A highly readable introduction to environmental modeling. What distinguishes the book from other environmental science and environmental modeling works is its interdisciplinary treatment. In particular, the models integrate the physical world and the world of human behavior. Far too many environmental models fail to close the feedbacks between human behavior and the state of the environment, instead taking waste inputs or resource use as exogenous. This book helps students learn to model human behavior (social and economic) as an integral part of the ecological system. The models and software mean the book encourages active learning, and enable students to explore important issues on their own if they choose.

Found this to be a good, "user friendly" introduction to systems dynamic modeling for a specific application (the environment). This book is highly readable and a great way to not only develop an understanding of systems dynamic modeling but also to develop a deeper understanding of environmental issues. The concepts learned could be applied to other systems, as well.

The book does a great job of stepping you through how to apply the concepts to environmental issues through a gradual introduction of systems dynamics -- each chapter builds upon the previous chapter and provides exercises to practice what you learn. The chapters are also constructed around specific environmental issues which enhances the book's applied aspects. Finally, the book provides some very helpful references to further reading.

Systems dynamic modeling is not a completely new concept to me, and I am comfortable with math and life sciences. However, this book does not require an advanced mathematics background or life sciences degree to understand it. I enjoyed reading this book. This is a step up from Donella Meadows book "thinking in systems" Thinking in Systems: A Primer in terms of more specific, pragmatic application. Ms. Meadows book, though, is good high level introduction for those completely new to sdm.

This is a great book for anyone who wants to gain a thorough understanding of Stella software. The book is easy to read, and the examples and case studies are well chosen.

Andrew Ford's book on modeling the environment gives an excellent "hands on" approach to the problem by essentially running a tutorial on the use of simulation models (Stella and Vensim) in parallel to the development of the theory of modeling. The emphasis is on Stella but there are also some examples of Vensim also. Having taken the trouble to develop the models as they are described the interested reader will find a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the topics develop as well as the satisfaction of seeing models working and giving the results in the text.

The book would be of interest to anyone wanting to find out more about the environment, system modelling, or Stella.

This book is easy to read and contains clear examples of how to use stella software to model the environment. The marvel here is the software, not the book. For the software timid, it might suppliment the software users guide.