Boundary Concepts in System Dynamics

摘要

This paper explores the use of boundary concepts in the system dynamics modeling process. It draws on the author's experience in teaching system dynamics as well as recent work on boundary objects in system dynamics and studies of best practices in SD modeling. The paper examines the iterative process of model development through the lens of boundary development. Boundaries regarding time, stocks, rates and other variables are considered. Boundary concepts are organized into a taxonomy with types and subtypes. The implications associated with each subtype are specified. An approach to boundary concept utilization, in the iterative model development process, is recommended. Recommendations for extending these efforts are an essential component of this paper.