- WHY I NEED THIS COURSE

This course allows the student to acquire, in a time-efficient and uncomplicated manner, knowledge in the formation and construction of dynamic models using Vensim.

Many times, the models are performed with minimal current data and very few historical data. The simulation models that the student will design in this course accommodate these analyses, with the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models.

That's done with the help of software that facilitates the construction of the models as well as performing model simulations. (Software is available for Windows and Mac computers.)

At the end of the course, the student is able to:

1. Describe the components of a complex system.

2. Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis.

3. Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software.

4. Carry out simulations with the model, in order to predict the behavior of the system.

- ORGANIZATION

ATC-Innova has a solid reputation in model simulation research, and is a dynamic company in constant evolution. As such, the company offers internet-based courses to serve English-speaking students who are interested in taking courses.

Courses via the Internet are an excellent opportunity to access postgraduate education, as the student may access the course on the student's own time, at his own pace, and minimizing the loss of work hours.

Additionally, it has been noted that this course, in its internet mode, gives excellent results because the student is very closely monitored in his learning process by the course instructor.

The student receives the documentation of the course and the simulation software Vensim PLE at home. Throughout his progress in the course, he receives by e-mail instruction with study cases and exercises to complete. The student then submits the models he creates to the instructor by e-mail. The instructor is available to the student in this capacity for any help the student needs during his studies.

Because of this very close relationship between the instructor and the student his evaluation is continuously monitored through the completion of the different exercises and study cases.

- SYLLABUS

First, the basic structures of the systems and more common dynamics are presented. Next, the phases in the construction of a model are studied. Last, using study cases, the student is taught how to model with the software and simulate different alternatives.

PHASE I. CONCEPTS

SYSTEM DYNAMICS

Causal diagrams.

Stable, unstable and oscillant systems.

Medium term dynamics.

CONSTRUCTION OF A MODEL

Flow Diagrams.

Phases in the construction of a model.

Computer simulations.

PHASE II. BASIC EXERCISES

INTRODUCTION

Using the software.

SIMPLE SYSTEM

Foreseen behavior and behavior in the model.

PRODUCTION AND INVENTORY

From the text description to the model.

Using Tables in non-linear relations.

Using Delays in the models.

PROJECT DYNAMICS

Building a model in phases.

The measurement units help us.

SHORT TERM vs. LONG TERM POLICIES

Studies in soft defined environments. To extract the data.

Importance of the horizon of the simulation.

Simulating different management styles.

COMMODITY CYCLE

To integrate several submodels in a bigger one.

The cause of the oscillations.

Explanation of the results.

PHASE III. ADVANCED EXERCISES

DRAWING COMPLEX DIAGRAMS

Epidemic case. Drawing techniques of complex diagrams.

Translation of mathematical models to Vensim.

USING QUALITATIVE VARIABLES

Definition and use of qualitative variables.

Qualitative and quantitative environments in a model.

IMPORT DATA AND EXPORT RESULTS

Import of current and historical data from excel.

Analysis of results, and export to excel.

BUILDING SIMULATION GAMES

Definition of the variables of a game.

Creation and development of the game.

USING INPUT OUTPUT INTERFACE

Clients Case. Output controls.

Building input control.

MONTE CARLO SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS

Sales Case. Monte Carlo method.

Results, variables of special interest.

PHASE IV. GUIDED PRACTICAL EXERCISE

Define the problem and identify the related elements
Define solutions to solve the problem to be tested
Draw the Causal Loop Diagram and identify the feedbacks
Draw the Stock and Flow Diagram
Write the equations and the values of the parameters
Simulate a first version of the model
Improve the model and run new simulation
Write the conclusions

- TEACHER

Juan Martin Garcia, Ph. D. Industrial Engineer, Diploma in Business Dynamics at the Sloan School of Management of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT. He has given classes of building models during the last 20 years in several universities and is a recognized consultant in this field, this allows him to offer a double vision: theoretical and practical.

- SOFTWARE

The student receives a license of Vensim PLE PLUS without any additional cost.

- COST

The total cost of the course is 1000 USD

- DURATION

Twelve weeks to complete the exercises, and three months to complete the guided practical exercise. Some pauses are possible if the student justifies it for professional reasons.

- REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

This course is intended for undergraduate and graduate students with or without professional experience.
Only basic computer skills are needed. No statistical or specific mathematical education is required.

- APPLICATIONS

The content of this course can be applied in many areas. In the business world, these topics are mainly used to address issues related to Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Marketing and Sales, Organization Redesign, Process Improvement, Implementation of operational plans. In general to build and sustain high performance over the long term, and ensure successful implementation of changes. In the academic world, these topics may be used to develop Final Projects or Doctorate, theses on diverse subjects.

- CERTIFICATE

The certificate is issued by ATC Innova, Official Distributor of Vensim. Students need to complete the 50% of the exercises to obtain the certificate.

- OTHER ONLINE COURSES

ATC Innova also offers a basic level and an high level online courses.

- REGISTRATION

1. Please download the registration form and fill in your personal data,

2.Pay with credit card here,

3. Email the registration form with a copy an official document of identity.

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