REPLY Models, Problems and Systems (SD7030)

[SDMAIL Kim Warren]

Posted by  "Kim Warren" <Kim at strategydynamics.com>

Thanks for your wise guidance Jack. I'd just ask, though, that we not
discourage people from resurrecting old questions [and answers]. 

First, there is a continuing risk that sound guidance be misunderstood
or misapplied. In the context of this particular topic, I have
repeatedly come across professionals interpreting the slogan 'model the
problem, not the system' to mean that *no* model should ever be expected
to have a continued validity or usefulness. This stance brings dangers
of its own - e.g. [a] the model might seem to 'solve the problem', but
has insufficient scope so that small changes in the problem situation
means it gives incorrect conclusions [b] we under-sell the value of SD
models because our audience thinks the often-large effort and cost has
no continuing value.

Next, new-comers face a daunting challenge in finding and identifying
exactly the nuggets of gold in the seminal books and articles. Even if
they could, there's additional value to be had from hearing more and
understanding the nuances of long-established principles, as opposed to
just reading the words in print. 

Then, there's always the possibility - heaven forbid - that accepted
wisdom is not always entirely correct! No field moves forward without
challenge.

Kim Warren 
Posted by  "Kim Warren" <Kim at strategydynamics.com>
posting date  Mon, 12 May 2008 07:46:42 +0100