SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELLING WITH VENSIM: A quick guide to building causal loops and stock and flow diagrams

EDITION 2026This book offers a time-efficient approach for readers to acquire step-by-step knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim.It addresses the challenge of working with minimal current and historical data by providing simulation models that accommodate such analyses. By constructing realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models, students can effectively utilize the Vensim software for model construction and simulation.By the end of the book, readers will be able to:- Understand the components of a complex system.- Analyze the natural evolution of the system under study.- Develop a comprehensive model of the system and demonstrate it using simulation software.- Perform simulations with the model to predict the system's behavior.Overall, this book equips readers with practical skills and knowledge to effectively model and simulate complex systems using Vensim.The book contains downloadable material ! ContentEnvironmental Area 1. Population Growth 2. Ecology of a Natural Reserve3. Effects of the Intensive Farming4. The Fishery of Shrimp5. Rabbits and Foxes6. A Study of Hogs7. Ingestion of Toxins8. The Barays of Angkor9. The Golden NumberManagement Area 10. Production and Inventory11. CO2 Emissions12. How to Work More and Better 13. Faults14. Project Dynamics15. Innovatory Companies 16. Quality Control17. The impact of a Business Plan Social Area 18. Filling a Glass19. A Catastrophe Study 20. The Young Ambitious Worker 21. Development of an Epidemic 22. The Dynamics of Two ClocksMechanical Area 23. The Tank24. Study of the Oscillatory Movements 25. Design of a Chemical Reactor26. The Butterfly Effect 27. The Mysterious LampAdvanced Exercises (Vensim PLE PLUS) 28. Import data from an Excel file29. Building Games and Learning Labs30. Interactive models 31. Input Output Controls 32. Sensitivity AnalysisAnnexI. Guide to creating a modelII. Functions, Tables and DelaysIII. Frequently Asked Questions FAQs IV. Download the models of this bookI. Guide to creating a model I.1. Creating a causal loop diagram I.2. Creating a stock and flow diagram I.3. Writing the conclusions II. Guide to using Artificial Intelligence II.1. Using AIII.2. Warning II.3. How Artificial Intelligence works II.4. Steps to follow II.5. Patterns II.6. Prompt II.7. Examples II. Functions, tables and delays II.1. Functions II.2. Tables II.3. DelaysThe authorJuan Martín García is teacher and a worldwide recognized expert in System Dynamics, with more than twenty years of experience in this field. Ph.D. Industrial Engineer (Spain) and Postgraduated Diploma in Business Dynamics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT (USA). He teaches Vensim online courses in http://vensim.com/vensim-online-courses/ based on System Dynamics. Read more