Welcome to “Simulation Strategies in Data Science: System Dynamics and Agent-based Modeling”
Short course at UNC’s Data Matters Workshop Series (June 23-24, 2016)
Here you will find the Syllabus for the course: Syllabus
System Dynamics (Day 1)
Presentations for day 1:
Dynamic Equilibria and System Archetypes
Unit reviews and exponential/logistic concepts: Ford (2009) Appendices A and B
In this class, we will use system dynamics modeling software to graphically represent complex feedback systems.
Vensim PLE (Personal Learning Edition) is a sophisticated dynamic modeling package that is freely available online. Vensim Personal Learning Edition (PLE) download: Vensim Free Download
A step-by-step Vensim tutorial can be found here: Building a simple Vensim model
STELLA is another piece of software that is not compatible with Vensim, but is easier to learn. For UNC users, you’ll find a tutorial for accessing STELLA 9 on UNC’s Virtual Computing Laboratory here: VCL STELLA Tutorial
Step-by-step STELLA tutorial from isee systems: STELLA tutorial
Additional System Dynamics Resources:
The system dynamics ‘bible’: Sterman, J. D. Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Boston, MA: Irwin McGraw-Hill.
The latest version of the System Dynamics bibliography contains almost 10,000 SD-related references: SDS Bibliography
System Dynamics in Education Project: SD roadmaps
Academic and professional association: System Dynamics Society
Major journal in the field: System Dynamics Review
Book that most of my presentations are based on: Andrew Ford. 2009. Modeling the Environment: An Introduction to System Dynamics Modeling of Environmental Systems (2nd Edition). Washington, D.C.: Island Press.
Deaton, Michael and James Winebrake. 2000. Dynamic Modeling of Environmental Systems. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag. See: Chapter 1: Overview of Environmental Systems and Chapter 2: Basic Modeling Concepts in Environmental Systems. Pgs 1-65.
Collins, John F. 1974. Chapter 1: Managing Our Cities – Can We Do Better? In: Readings in Urban Dynamics: Volume 1. Edited by Nathaniel Mass. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Pgs 3-11.
Schroeder III, Walter W. Chapter 3: Urban Management Actions. In: Readings in Urban Dynamics: Volume 2. Edited by Walter W. Schroeder III, Robert E. Sweeney, and Louis Edward Alfeld. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. Pgs. 31-48.
Sterman, J. D. (1991). A Skeptic’s Guide to Computer Models. In Barney, G. O. et al. (eds.), Managing a Nation: The Microcomputer Software Catalog. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 209- 229.
Sterman, John D. 2006. Learning from Evidence in a Complex World. American Journal of Public Health 96(3): 505-514.
Agent-Based Modeling (Day 2)
Presentation for day 2: Intro Agent-Based Modeling
Gabriel Wurzer MathMod2012 NetLogo tutorial (modified for this workshop): NetLogo Tutorial
Rene Doursat 2005 ULV-Reno NetLogo Tutorial: NetLogo Tutorial 2
Full NetLogo tutorial on NetLogo website: NetLogo Tutorial 3
Very useful text for Agent-Based Modeling using NetLogo (Also an excellent resource for learning more about NetLogo): Railsback, S.F. and Grimm, V., 2012. Agent-Based and Individual-Based Modeling: A Practical Introduction. Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ.
Additional resources:
A classic text on the evolution of cooperation in societies: Axelrod, R., 1997. The Complexity of Cooperation: Agent-Based Models of Competition and Collaboration. Princeton University Press: Princeton, NJ.
Health Applications
Applications of Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation to Healthcare Operations Management
Use of an Agent-Based Model to Understand Clinical Systems
Agent-Based Models and Systems Science Approaches to Public Health
Software:
System dynamics: STELLA, Vensim, Simile, PowerSim, NetLogo, pySD