Theory and Practical Exercises of System Dynamics

EDITION 2026

As the complexity of our world increases systems thinking is emerging as a critical factor for success, and even survival. How then can people become skilled systems thinkers? The most effective learning experiences combine experience with reflection, theory with practice.

Traditionally, theory was taught in school and university, and experience was gained in life outside those walls. But in the world of complex dynamic systems such as a business, society, or ecosystem, everyday experience fails because the time horizon and scope of the systems is so vast-we never experience the majority of the effects of our decisions. And without relevant experience, theory is uninteresting to students.

The old ways of learning fail. When experiments in the real world are impossible, simulation becomes the main way we can learn effectively about the dynamics of complex systems. For this reason I'm pleased to introduce Juan Martin Garcia's book 'Theory and Practical Exercises of System Dynamics'. Juan combines theory and practice, experience and opportunities for reflection, so that newcomers to the field can learn for themselves how complex dynamic systems work. The examples span a range of important economic and social issues, from the aging of the population in developed economies to the course of contagious diseases to the accumulation of pollutants in the environment; everyone will find some examples here of direct personal interest.

The modeling exercises guide the learner through the process of building a working simulation; students will not only learn about the issues addressed, and in the use of state of the art simulation software, but will develop skill in the modeling process.

Juan has written a delightful first introduction to the field of system dynamics and complexity, and provides a much-needed addition to the literature available.

John D. Sterman

The book contains downloadable material !

Index

System Dynamics
- Identifying the Problem
- Defining the System
- The Boundaries of a System
- The Causal Diagram
- Feedback
- The Limiting Factor
- The Key Factors
- Classification of Systems
- Generic Structures
- World Models

Building a Model
- Flow Diagrams
- Computer Simulation
- Behaviour of the Model
- Analysis of the System
- Weaknesses of Models

Guide to Creating a Model
- Creating a Causal Diagram
- Creating a Flow Diagram
- Writing the conclusions

Environmental System Dynamics
- Population Growth
- Modeling the Ecology of a Natural Reserve
- Effects of the Intensive Farming
- The Fishery of Shrimp
- Rabbits and Foxes
- A Study of Hogs
- Ingestion of Toxins
- The Barays of Angkor

Management System Dynamics
- Production and Inventory
- CO2 Emissions
- How to work more and better
- Faults
- Project Dynamics
- Innovatory Companies
- Quality Control
- The impact of a Business Plan

Social System Dynamics
- Filling a Glass
- Dynamics of a Segmented Population
- The Young Ambitious Worker
- Development of an Epidemic
- The Dynamics of Two Clocks

Mechanical System Dynamics
- Dynamics of a Tank
- Study of the Oscillatory Movements
- Design of a Chemical Reactor

The author

Juan Martín García is a teacher and worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics.