Often times there are a number of parameters in a model you want to set to specific values and run the model to demonstrate a particular behavior. When there are several variables involved remembering the setup is often difficult and takes time. And can you demonstrate the behavior when you're not there? Developing scenarios with Button scripts is a quick way to overcome these difficulties.
An example of why it's so critical to understand where the boundaries are when considering a system. (developed from Eric Wolstenholme's Archetype examples by Gene Bellinger)
A Tragedy of the Commons situation exists whenever two or more activities, each, which in order to produce results, rely on a shared limited resource. Results for these activities continue to develop as long as their use of the limited resource doesn't exceed the resource limit. Once this limit is reached the results produced by each activity are limited to the level at which the resource is replenished. See also Archetypes.
Use a savings account model to investigate the manner in which inflows and outflows govern the quantity of a stock. Extend the structure to create and investigate the relationships of a growth producing reinforcing loop.
This structure show the potential benefit from the development of a knowledgebase to support performance. With this potential benefit why is it so difficult for it to happen. What loops might be missing here.
When we're trying to understand a situation it is often very helpful to have a sense of the historical trends of several dimensions relevant to the situation.
In this piece, we explore the counter intuitive nature of systems where the best of intentions to address the homelessness situation using the most expedient approach is likely to make things even worse.
This model represents an elaboration of the Savings Account model to investigate the implications associated with intending to save money for retirement so an amount may be withdrawn monthly for living expenses.
An infinite number of mathematicians walk into a bar. The first one tells the bartender he wants a beer. The second one says he wants half a beer. The third one says he wants a fourth of a beer. The bartender puts two beers on the bar and says “You guys need to learn your limits.” From Wild About Math.
This model introduces the S/O and +/- notation for depicting the relations that might exist between two elements along with why the +/- notation is preferred.
The intent here is to provide guidance for creating well structured and documented relationship maps that you can share with your audience and they are likely to find understandable and informative.
Relative Control is one of the four generic archetypes developed by Eric Wolstenholme and maps to the Balancing Loop with Delay, Indecision, Limits to Results, Drifting Goals and Escalation Systems Archetypes.
