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IM513 Agricultural Systems Thinking and Dynamics

DESCRIPTION

This unit focuses on the concept, tools, and applications of systems thinking and system dynamics in agribusiness and agricultural systems. It includes principles of the systems thinking and system dynamics approach to analyse complex problems. Through model building exercise, it includes systems thinking/system dynamics tools including causal loops diagrams and stock and flow models. It also covers formulation of dynamic problems, system structures, and system archetypes and the validation of system dynamics models.


RELEVANT COURSES

Master of Agricultural Information Management

Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness)


Elective unit

Master of Agriculture specialisation in Agriculture Information Systems


CREDIT POINTS

10


DELIVERY MODE

On campus

Mixed mode

Online

Intensive

Extensive


PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

IM401 Introduction to Agroinformatics


UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Demonstrate advanced understanding of key concepts and theories within systems thinking and system dynamics

LO2 Critically evaluate complex agricultural problems using a systems thinking perspective

LO3 Critically analyse and apply system dynamics tools to understand the behaviour of complex systems over time

LO4 Synthesise complex problems based on deep understanding of the ‘archetypes’ of system dynamics to identify behaviour of systems

LO5 Build and explain system dynamics models to specialist and non-specialist audiences


CONTENT

  • Introduction to systems thinking and system dynamics modelling

  • Feedback in systems and causal Loops

  • From Causal Loops to simulation – system dynamics modelling

  • System dynamics – The modelling process

  • Structure and behaviour of dynamic systems

  • System archetypes

  • Stock and flow models

  • Simple structures and dynamics of stock and flow models

  • Applications of system dynamics modelling

  • Use of dimensionless multipliers

  • Model validity and testing

  • Applying system dynamics models to communicate results to stakeholders


ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. Problem Definition and Model Conceptualisation - 20%

2. System Dynamics Model Development: Part A - 10%; Part B - 30%

3. Final Report and Oral Presentation - 40% 


PRESCRIBED READINGS

Nil


Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks.

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