Business Dynamics

Spring 2005

401345/3

KFK PM/LM: Produktions- und Logistikmanagement (E)

PR 2

ao Univ.Prof. Dr. Christoph Mandl

Description:

System Dynamics is a methodology for studying and managing complex feedback systems, such as one finds in business and other social systems.

This course will focus on System Dynamics as a method for analyzing the dynamics of enterprises and economic infrastructures, e.g. logistical networks, as well as on System Dynamics as a method for strategic management. Methodological and epistemological issues such as „Why do so many business strategies fail?“, „What is the role of structure und culture?“ and „What can be modeled and how, thus transferring parts of strategic management from the domain of intuition to the domain of collective (scientific) inquiry?“ will be addressed.

Specific topics will be: Patterns of organizational development, i.e. oscillation, collapse, chaotic behavior; supply chain design; high-tech companies; management of technology. Uses simulation models, management flight simulators, theory, and case studies to develop conceptual and modeling skills for the design and strategic management of economic systems.

Objectives:

Participants learn to

· Think systemically and dynamically

· Recognize Systems Archetypes and the way they operate

· Map the structure of complex systems and understand their dynamics

· Use state of the art software for modeling and simulation of complex systems

· Implement systems thinking and modeling in teams and organizations

· Apply lessons from a variety of successful applications