REPLY Fraction of Projects Qualitative (SD6067)

[Thompson James. P (Jim) S208 Jim.Thompson CIGNA.COM]

Posted by  "Thompson, James. P (Jim) S208" <Jim.Thompson at CIGNA.COM>
Michael Schwandt asks for evidence that "75 percent of system dynamics
projects stop with the creation and use of qualitative models, leaving
25 percent of the projects to be quantified."

For many practitioners, system dynamics is a methodology that applies
formal computer simulations of complex feedback systems to help design
more effective policies and organizations.  For those practitioners, a
computer simulation model defines a system dynamics engagement.  

As an in-house practitioner, my colleagues often bring me problems with
relatively simple feedback structures.  Conversation is usually all that
is needed to identify causes and resolve those problems.  Is that a
system dynamics project?  In my view, it is not.

For all but the simplest issues, we build a computer model that
simulates the feedback structure that we believe is generating the
problem's pattern(s) of behavior.  I can't recall an instance when the
model-building process didn't generate useful insight, sufficient to
warrant the investment in the model.

Jim Thompson
Director, Economic Research
CIGNA HealthCare
900 Cottage Grove Rd. S208
Hartford, CT 06152
Posted by  "Thompson, James. P (Jim) S208" <Jim.Thompson at CIGNA.COM>
posting date  Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:49:52 -0500