Skip to main content

Modeling with Archetypes: An Effective Approach to Dealing with Complexity

  • Conference paper
Book cover Computer Aided Systems Theory - EUROCAST 2003 (EUROCAST 2003)

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 2809))

Included in the following conference series:

Abstract

In the face of growing complexities, agents who lead or manage organizations must revert to better models. This proposition is based on the Conant/Ashby Theorem, which says that the results of a management process are determined by the quality of the model on which that process is based. The author proposes that archetype-based modeling is a promising way to enhance the behavioral repertory of agents in organizations and society: It aids in achieving better models and thus in coping with complexity more effectively. Experiences with System Dynamics modeling of real-world issues and problems as well as the pertinent results achieved are reported. The special flavor of the cases described lies in a new quality and speed of learning-by-modeling, which was unachievable a few years ago. This is now enabled by a) an advanced methodology of modeling and model validation, b) the conceptual maturity of systems archetypes, and c) the availability of powerful simulation software.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Ashby, W.R.: Design for a Brain, 2nd edn. Chapman and Hall, London (1960)

    MATH  Google Scholar 

  2. Alexander, C., et al.: A Pattern Language. Oxford University Press, New York (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Barlas, Y.: Formal Aspects of Model Validity and Validation in System Dynamics. System Dynamics Review 12(3), 183–210 (1996)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Barlas, Y., Carpenter, S.: Philosophical Roots of Model Validity – Two Paradigms. System Dynamics Review 6(2), 148–166 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Conant, R.C., Ashby, W.R.: Every Good Regulator of a System Must Be a Model of that System. In: Conant, R. (ed.) Mechanisms of Intelligence. Ashby’s Writings on Cybernetics, pp. 205–214. Intersystems Publications, Seaside (1981)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Forrester, J.W.: Industrial Dynamics. MIT Press, Cambridge (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Forrester, J.W.: Principles of Systems. MIT Press, Cambridge (1968)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Forrester, J.W.: Counterintuitive Behavior of Social Systems. Technology Review 73(3), 52–68 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  9. Forrester, J.W., Senge, P.M.: Tests for Building Confidence in System Dynamics Models. In: Legasto Jr., A.A., Forrester, J.W., Lyneis, J.M. (eds.) System Dynamics, pp. 209–228. North-Holland, Amsterdam (1980)

    Google Scholar 

  10. La Roche, U., Simon, M.: Geschäftsprozesse simulieren. Flexibel und zielorientiert führen mit Fliessmodellen. Verlag Industrielle Organisation, Zürich (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  11. Richardson, G.P. (ed.): Modelling for Management. Simulation in Support of Systems Thinking, vol. 2. Aldershot, Dartmouth (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  12. Richmond, B.: An Introduction to Systems Thinking, Hanover, NH: High Performance Systems (1992-2003)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Schwaninger, M.: The Role of System Dynamics with in the Systems Movement. In: Barlas, Y. (ed.) Theme System Dynamics, in Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), UNESCO, Ch. 6.63.2.4. EOLSS Publishers, Oxford (2003/4) (forthcoming) WWW.EOLSS.NET

  14. Senge, P.M.: The Fifth Discipline. The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. Century Business, London (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  15. Sterman, J.D.: Business Dynamics. Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Irwin/McGraw-Hill, Boston, Mass. (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  16. System Dynamics in Education Project (SDEP MIT): Road Maps – A Guide to Learning System Dynamics, Cambridge, Mass.: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1996–2000), http://sysdyn.clexchange.org/road-maps/home.html

  17. System Dynamics Society, ed.: System Dynamics Bibliography, Albany: System Dynamics Society (2002) (updated regularly)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Wolstenholme, E.F.: Towards the Definition and Use of a Core Set of Archetypal Structures in System Dynamics. System Dynamics Review 19(1), 7–26 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2003 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Schwaninger, M. (2003). Modeling with Archetypes: An Effective Approach to Dealing with Complexity. In: Moreno-Díaz, R., Pichler, F. (eds) Computer Aided Systems Theory - EUROCAST 2003. EUROCAST 2003. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 2809. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-45210-2_13

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-45210-2_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-20221-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-45210-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics