To provide attendees with an understanding of the system dynamics approach to modeling, how this approach can be used to develop simulation models that predict the behavior of integrated water resource systems, and how to engage stakeholders in model development and application for decision making.

Integrated water resources management requires the development of simulation tools that provide reasonable predictions of the behavior of water resource systems that are influenced by physical, social, political and economic processes. System dynamics provides an effective platform for integrating these diverse processes into a single simulation tool. System dynamics modeling has been used in a wide range of water resources planning and management studies across the world, and has been found to be a highly useful tool for developing an understanding of the behavior of integrated water resource systems.

The topics to be covered in this course are an introduction to System Dynamics modeling and approaches to integrating diverse system processes into a single simulation model. In addition, a case study will be presented that demonstrates the use of the system dynamics modeling approach in developing an integrated water resources planning model and engagement of stakeholders in the process. Finally, attendees will engage in a hand’s on integrated model development project.

At the conclusion of this workshop the attendees should be able to understand the basic approaches for integrating diverse systems processes into a single model utilizing a system dynamics platform. In addition, the attendees will be able create a simple system dynamics model of an integrated water resources system. Students will also gain insight into ways to involve stakeholders and the public in the development and use of these system dynamics based decision support models.

Attendees are required to bring their own laptop computer with either currently supported Windows© or Mac© operating systems. In addition, attendees should download a system dynamics modeling platform onto their laptop for use during the workshop. Frequently used System Dynamics modeling platforms are STELLA http://www.iseesystems.com/, Free 30 day trial), POWERSIM (http://www.powersim.com/, Free 30 day trial), or VENSIM (http://www.vensim.com/, free 90 day trial). If interested, attendees may also bring information to aid in the system dynamic model development exercise.