(g) The organisation theory
The role of humans in organisations is central to organisation theory. Organisation theory considers such delicate and subtle issues as motivation, learning, adaptation, information processing, decision-making, leadership, group dynamics, and so
on. These behavioural issues are extremely important in shaping the success and
failure of organisations. If system dynamics has to succeed as a methodology of
inquiry into social systems, the rich ideas of organisation theory should be used in
system dynamics models.
(h) Simulation games
Games have established themselves as teaching tools. They have almost a similar
development history as that of system dynamics. They allow human participation in
decision making but use mathematical models to generate behaviour in time. System
dynamics models are excellent materials for games because both emphasize policy
decisions and dynamic behaviour. System dynamics-based games are both feasible
and desirable.
(i) Stochastic systems theory
The stochastic systems theory, which is based on the principles of probability and
statistics, has already established itself as an important modelling approach. Though
system dynamics generally assumes deterministic interaction among factors, it can
certainly be extended to study systems which are generally considered stochastic.
This is possible, provided more details are available on the individual componentsand their mutual interactions. It is also possible to incorporate available stochastic
relationships among certain elements in an otherwise deterministic framework of a
system dynamics model. These models can unfold hidden modes of behaviour of
such systems. It seems to be possible to show, with the help of system dynamics
modelling, that certain types of stochastic models stand on completely deterministic
frameworks.
6.4 Applying Systems Analysis to Infrastructure
6.4.1 Overview
As seen earlier, infrastructure in a country is a network (assembly) of a system of
infrastructure systems – which interact among themselves. Each different infrastructure can be designed by its own experts, but applying systems theory to the country’s
infrastructure will allow:
(1) adopting consistent planning assumptions for each sector,
(2) using similar metrics or yardsticks for evaluating performance in each sector,
(3) quantifying the same important factors that influence uncertainty and performance in the different sectors,
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The role of humans in organisations is central to organisation theory. Organisation theory considers such delicate and subtle issues as motivation, learning, adaptation, information processing, decision-making, leadership, group dynamics, and so
on. These behavioural issues are extremely important in shaping the success and
failure of organisations. If system dynamics has to succeed as a methodology of
inquiry into social systems, the rich ideas of organisation theory should be used in
system dynamics models.
(h) Simulation games
Games have established themselves as teaching tools. They have almost a similar
development history as that of system dynamics. They allow human participation in
decision making but use mathematical models to generate behaviour in time. System
dynamics models are excellent materials for games because both emphasize policy
decisions and dynamic behaviour. System dynamics-based games are both feasible
and desirable.
(i) Stochastic systems theory
The stochastic systems theory, which is based on the principles of probability and
statistics, has already established itself as an important modelling approach. Though
system dynamics generally assumes deterministic interaction among factors, it can
certainly be extended to study systems which are generally considered stochastic.
This is possible, provided more details are available on the individual componentsand their mutual interactions. It is also possible to incorporate available stochastic
relationships among certain elements in an otherwise deterministic framework of a
system dynamics model. These models can unfold hidden modes of behaviour of
such systems. It seems to be possible to show, with the help of system dynamics
modelling, that certain types of stochastic models stand on completely deterministic
frameworks.
6.4 Applying Systems Analysis to Infrastructure
6.4.1 Overview
As seen earlier, infrastructure in a country is a network (assembly) of a system of
infrastructure systems – which interact among themselves. Each different infrastructure can be designed by its own experts, but applying systems theory to the country’s
infrastructure will allow:
(1) adopting consistent planning assumptions for each sector,
(2) using similar metrics or yardsticks for evaluating performance in each sector,
(3) quantifying the same important factors that influence uncertainty and performance in the different sectors,
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6 Infrastructure as a System