REPLY Forming a System Dynamics Institute (SD6571)

[SDMAIL Scott Rockart]

Posted by  Scott Rockart <srockart at duke.edu>

The idea of a multi-level accreditation system in SD (administered by the 
society or some other group) sounds right to me.  Specifically, I believe:

1) We could agree on a body of testable knowledge that would make up the 
   basic levels for such a system (e.g., notational accuracy in various 
   kinds of system diagrams, ability to recognize the possible behaviors 
   of various simple systems, knowledge of basic formulations, the ability 
   to identify basic modeling errors) as well as more advanced levels (e.g., 
   the ability to integrate data and models) and even some sub-specialties 
   (e.g., knowledge of prior academic research, data, trends, and published 
   practitioner work on specific topics). 
2) We could create objective examination materials relatively quickly for 
   the basic levels using existing materials and perhaps with leadership 
   from those currently offering distance learning materials.
3) We could fund the exams and oversight with test fees and sales of 
   preparation materials.
4) All of us would benefit from this as it would: help us identify holes in
   our own knowledge: improve the quality of discourse and work in SD and 
   various subfields; act as a resource that encourages and improves 
   university and private programs; provide a way for more people to make 
   independent progress in the field.
5) Such an exam ought to start out with the SD Society: It is the largest 
   body in the field; it holds a well-attended annual meeting where more 
   advanced exams could be given; it has subgroups that could develop 
   specialized/field exams; and it has the big advantage of already existing.  
   We could begin testing the idea with a voluntary (fun and evaluative) 
   online exam called "Do you know SD?"

Of course, I've glossed over the many concerns about standardized tests and 
institutional demands of developing and supporting such a system.  What do 
others think?  Is this feasible and advisable?  Why have past suggestions 
that we do such a thing not led to fruition?  Is anyone currently offering 
such a system?  What are the risks of putting such a system in place.  I 
think those involved in consulting supported training programs (e.g., those 
with Vensim) and other distance learning (e.g., those at Worcester and those 
involved in Roadmaps) could give us some great perspectives.

Scott
Posted by  Scott Rockart <srockart at duke.edu>
posting date  Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:25:43 -0400