System Dynamics, Project Management &Spaghetti ForksRajeev Kozhikkattuthodirajeevtk@mit.edu

Blame it on Web 2.0@rajeevtk “As a management tool or even as a analytical tool, this can easily run up against basic cognitive limits. May be I should get a special spaghetti fork to twirl around with it ” Led to an interesting side-bar discussion with the System Dynamics community

Limits of Human and Organizational Cognition“ The capacity of the human mind for formulating and solving complex problems is very small compared with the size of the problem”Herbert Simon“..the language in which we specify problems have an effect on our problem-solving ability…Our specification language design needs to reflect what is known about human limitations and capabilities.”Nancy LevesonIn problem solving, design tools and specification language matter a lot. Even more so, when it comes to organizational decision making.

What we agreed on..Realistic SD project models are inherently complexMental models, Project, Excel aren’t even alternativesFor several large projects, SD investments have paid-offThe problem remains..It is difficult toDevelop realistic SD models (Consultants?)In-depth analysis of dynamics (Hire more SDMers?)Communicate and get mgmt team buy-inHave to justify the SD investments on a projectRoI for the additional overhead?

Realistic SD project models are inherently complex

Mental models, Project, Excel aren’t even alternatives

For several large projects, SD investments have paid-off

Develop realistic SD models (Consultants?)

In-depth analysis of dynamics (Hire more SDMers?)

Communicate and get mgmt team buy-in

RoI for the additional overhead?

Discussion pointsHow should SD be used by Project Managers?Analytical/simulation toolDecision making toolProject Design toolDecision communication toolWhat’s a good spaghetti fork?Modeling best practicesGPL/CC project dynamics models?More intuitive Project Management 2.0 tools?Join the conversation! Tweet #systemdynamics or post a comment on rajeevtk.com

Analytical/simulation tool

Decision making tool

Project Design tool

Decision communication tool

Modeling best practices

GPL/CC project dynamics models?

More intuitive Project Management 2.0 tools?