Full Title
System dynamics in researching markets for nutrition
Session Overview
System dynamics provides a powerful set of intuitive visually-based modelling tools to capture complex agriculture-nutrition linkages with associated ‘what-if’ scenarios. This lab will first present the concepts, terms and rationale of systems dynamics at an introductory level; enabling the participants to develop systems communication tools like “causal-loop” and “stock and flow” diagrams. Inspired by a practical example from the Market Intervention for Nutritional Improvement (MINI) project (BMFG and UK DfID), the second half of the session will guide the participants through the construction and simulation of a simple systems model using the online platform ‘InsightMaker’.
Learning Objectives/Outcomes
Conceptual learning objectives:
1. Understand when systems thinking and modelling is appropriate (and when it is not!)
2. Develop and apply systems terminology to different agricultural, nutritional and health settings
3. Become confident developing and interpreting qualitative systems tools in agricultural contexts.
Practical learning objectives:
1. Build and simulate simple system dynamics models using the online InsightMaker tool
2. Learn how to diagnose problems/errors in a system dynamics model
3. Learn how to investigate model sensitivity and system leverage points through simple explorative scenarios.
Target Audience
Participants who have perhaps only heard of system dynamics modelling and want to know more (i.e. build up a basic understanding);
Researchers/practitioners who are deciding whether a system dynamics approach will suit their own project (as opposed to some other modelling approach);
Participants who are familiar with systems concepts but want to learn about converting that qualitative knowledge into practical systems models.
Format
Lecture, discussion, group work
Level & Prerequisites
Basic.
Participants will be building and running the models using the free-to-use, online system dynamics platform 'InsightMaker'.
Before participating in this learning lab, please sign-up for a free InsightMaker account by following the instructions below:
- Go to InsightMaker.com in your web browser
- Click 'Create a Free Account' (top right hand corner of web page)
- Provide a username, email address and password, before ticking the user terms and captcha security.
Great, you are all set to fully participate in the learning lab. Please don't forget to bring along your laptop!
