Abstract for: Value and Acceptance of System Dynamics in Business: Business Owner as SD Practitioner Perspective

This paper was written by a mid size business owner and practicing System Dynamics modeler. Using a specific example, this paper describes the acceptance and usefulness of an SD modeling process in business. In the author’s experience, using rigorous SD modeling, especially careful use of stock and flow concepts, to describe and gain insight into dynamic business issues is an effective and valuable business tool. These modeling efforts generated several critical insights that were used to alter policy to the advantage of the business. However, communicating these insights beyond a few involved employees was met with significant resistance, especially when “System Dynamics” or “Computer Modeling” was central to the discussion of insight generation and policy formation.