Designing simulation software to facilitate learning of quantitative system dynamics skills: a case in Taiwan

Abstract

A case study in Taiwan reveals that newcomers to system dynamics tend to use qualitative models without performing simulation. To develop quantitative simulation skills, this study identifies simulation barriers in the early stages and proposes an evolutionary approach to overcome such barriers. The simulation learning process is separated into two stages: the initial similation skill's development and the system dynamics expertise. A special purpose simulation software is then designed as well as a course established to test and evaluate the approach to the initial stage. The results of the study indicate that the approach with the software can help facilitate learners in developing initial simulation skills with a model scale of about two levels and forty equations. Thus, different stages require various approaches to the learning of quantitative system dynamics skills.