If you would like to use another modeling software as you study Road Maps, please take some time now to get acquainted with your software. A beginner’s tutorial for Vensim PLE1 is included at the end of Road Maps Two. You are also encouraged to read through the Vensim PLE documentation that is available on the Ventana website. The documentation guides the reader through a series of interesting tutorials, providing an overview of system dynamics and a thorough introduction to the Vensim software. After you have worked through the tutorials or experimented with your software, please proceed with Road Maps by reading The First Step, converting between STELLA and your modeling software as you go along.
-The First Step2
by Leslie A. Martin
The First Step goes over the basics of system dynamics and introduces key terms and concepts. The tutorial will guide you through creating your first models in STELLA and will help you with using the software itself.
Please read The First Step now.
After reading The First Step...
The First Step covered a great deal of important material. It helped you to construct, analyze, and test two one-level multiple-rate systems. It also explained the concepts of stocks and flows and the fundamental role they play in building models of systems.
Before you continue, it is important to note that while The First Step uses the terms stocks and flows, the terms levels and rates can also be used. ‘Stocks’ and ‘levels’ are used interchangeably in system dynamics, as are ‘flows’ and ‘rates’. Also, the two pairs of terms are always used in conjunction with each other. In other words, you should use ‘stock’ and ‘flow’ together, or use ‘level’ and ‘rate’ together, and not mix the terms, as in ‘stock’ and ‘rate’. Speaking of levels and rates...