Developing System Dynamics Models from Causal Loop Diagrams.

Abstract

ABSTRACT. In this paper we discuss how a Causal Loop diagram (CLD) can be labeled and structured incrementally in order to finally transform it into a Stock and Flow diagram. A CLD does not contain enough information to describe a model uniquely. Hence the decisions on how to transform the CLD cannot be made automatically; they must be based on information about the modeled system. We describe a general set of possible transformation steps and offer guidance on when to choose which step. Some suggesting simplifications of the general setting will be discussed and illustrated by an example. The main application area of the described interactive algorithm is software development. However, it might also give suggestions on the reorganization of the current system dynamics workflows. 1.