System Dynamics : Theory and Applications ; Edited by Brian Dangerfield

The Springer volume on “System Dynamics. Theory and Applications” (2020), edited by BrianDangerfield, substantially contributes to strengthening the position of feedback modeling andsimulation in both research and practice in various policy analysis domains. The 23 chapters,of which the book consists, cover a wide scope of fields ranging from theory and methodology(part II) to practical applications of system dynamics (SD) to solve different real-life problems(part III).In particular, the methodological chapters provide a suitable conceptual framework for thesubsequent chapters which illustrate the benefits from applying SD to specific policy fields andcontexts. A well-balanced mix of chapters in part II of the book is very helpful to understandhow both qualitative and quantitative issues are relevant for SD modeling and how they can behandled properly. Examples include the use of SD as a facilitating method for group modelbulding, model validation, optimization of SD models, and methods for structural dominanceanalysis. The chapters in part III cover a broad set of topics across public and private sectorapplications and different disciplinary fields in policy analysis and management. Examplesinclude business policy and strategy; public policy (including health care, national defense,environment energy and climate change, and poverty alleviation), operations management, projectmanagement, workforce planning, and innovation management.