Faculty and students in the System Dynamics Group use computer simulation and other tools for systems thinking to understand complex dynamics in a wide range of organizations, markets, and other settings, and work with these organizations to implement and assess the benefits of new policies to improve performance. Projects include the dynamics of process improvement, new product development, and service quality; improving public understanding of climate change; polio eradication post-eradication immunization strategy; and the potential transition from internal combustion and fossil fuels to alternative vehicles. Members of the group use a wide range of methods, from ethnographic field study to formal modeling. Many of the field studies and models provide the basis for simulation microworlds, or management flight simulators, where managers can experiment with policies for successful improvement without risk, accelerating individual and organizational learning. Such management flight simulators are now widely used in teaching and in organizations.
For further information, contact John Sterman, Room E53-351, 617-253-1951, fax 617-258-7579, jsterman@mit.edu.