Short description:

This book provides a thorough introduction to modeling by teaching readers how to build and use a wide range of models, including those for biological, physical, social, and economic systems. Many examples of theory and applications from the modeling community have been added to this second edition, including examples from population models, genetics, disease, economics, and engineering. All models and a run-time version of the STELLA software are included on the cross-platform CD-ROM.

Long description:

Computer models offer a means of interpreting and analyzing the dynamics of real-world systems ranging from population growth to ozone depletion and a new section on modeling in genetics. Dynamic Modeling introduces an approach to modeling that makes it a more practical, intuitive endeavor. The book enables readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then to run the model and let it yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure of the model. Dynamic Modeling uses STELLA software to develop simulation models. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems. Part II offers general methods for modeling. Parts III through VIII apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. Dynamic Modeling offers a clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, and will be of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

From a review of first edition:

"[The authors] demonstrate convincingly that ? one can learn a lot about building and experimenting with and simulating dynamic models in a number of fields.  ... Highly recommended for all studying model building and practical applications of systems theory." - Choice

Table of Contents:

1 Introduction.- 1 Modeling Dynamic Systems.- 2 Some General Methods for Modeling.- 2 Four-Model Set.- 3 Gradual Development of a Dynamic Model.- 4 Two Independent Variables.- 5 Randomness.- 6 Positive and Negative Feedback.- 7 Derivatives and Lags.- 3 Chemistry Models.- 8 The Law of Mass Action.- 9 Chance-Cleland Model for Enzyme-Substrate Interaction.- 10 The Olsen Oscillator.- 4 Genetics Models.- 11 Mating of Alleles.- 12 Natural Selection and Mutation.- 13 Artificial Worms.- 5 Ecological Models.- 14 Robin Population.- 15 Two-Stage Insect Model.- 16 The Zebra Mussel.- 17 Single Cell Forest.- 18 Predator-Prey Models.- 19 Epidemic Modeling.- 20 Reestablishment of Wolves.- 21 Lyme Disease.- 22 Tragedy of the Commons.- 6 Economic Models.- 23 Introduction to Modeling Economic Processes.- 24 The Competitive Firm.- 25 The Monopolistic Firm.- 26 Competitive Equilibrium.- 27 Substitution.- 28 Time Value.- 29 Opportunity Cost.- 30 Optimal Tree Cutting.- 31 Fisheries Reserve Model.- 32 Dynamic Scarcity.- 33 Market Game.- 34 Pig Cycle.- 7 Engineering Models.- 35 The Assembly Line.- 36 Models of Gravity and Acceleration.- 37 Chaos.- 8 Conclusion.- 38 Beginning a Dialog.- Appendixes.- A1 System Requirements.- A1.1 Macintosh.- A1.2 Windows.- A2 Quick Help Guide.- A2.1 Overview of the STELLA(r) Operating Environment.- A2.2 Drawing an Inflow to a Stock.- A2.3 Drawing an Outflow from a Stock.- A2.4 Replacing a Cloud with a Stock.- A2.5 Bending Flow Pipes.- A2.6 Repositioning Flow Pipes.- A2.7 Reversing Direction of a Flow.- A2.8 Flow Define Dialog?Builtins.- A2.9 Moving Variable Names.- A2.10 Drawing Connectors.- A2.11 Defining Graphs and Tables.- A2.12 Dynamite Operations on Graphs and Tables.- References.