Vensim Online Course – Advanced

This course is intended for users that are new to Vensim. Only basic computer skills are needed. No statistical or specific mathematical education is required.

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. The course will guide students through the construction of realistic hypotheses and elaborate behavior models as well as inclusion of external data.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

Describe the components of a complex system.
Diagnose the natural evolution of the system under analysis.
Create a model of the system and present it using the simulation software.
Carry out simulations and experiment with the model.

The documentation for the course will be provided in electronic format. Vensim PLE Plus is used during the basic course. The instructor is available to the student for any help during their studies, the support forum is also available for search and help.

Progress is continuously monitored through the completion of the different exercises and study cases.

Syllabus

PHASE I. CONCEPTS
1. SYSTEM DYNAMICS
  1. Causal diagrams.
  2. Stable, unstable and oscillant systems.
  3. Medium term dynamics.
2. CONSTRUCTION OF A MODEL
  1. Flow Diagrams.
  2. Phases in the construction of a model.
  3. Computer simulations.
PHASE II. BASIC EXERCISES
1. INTRODUCTION
  1. Using the software.
2. SIMPLE SYSTEM
  1. Foreseen behavior and behavior in the model.
  2. From the text description to the model.
3. PRODUCTION AND INVENTORY
  1. Using Tables in non-linear relations.
  2. Using Delays in the models.
4. PROJECT DYNAMICS
  1. Building a model in phases.
  2. The measurement units help us.
5. SHORT TERM vs. LONG TERM POLICIES
  1. Studies in soft defined environments. To extract the data.
  2. Importance of the horizon of the simulation.
  3. Simulating different management styles.
6. COMMODITY CYCLE
  1. To integrate several submodels in a bigger one.
  2. The cause of the oscillations.
  3. Explanation of the results.
PHASE III. COMPLEX EXERCISES
1. DRAWING COMPLEX DIAGRAMS
  1. Epidemic case. Drawing techniques of complex diagrams.
  2. Translation of mathematical models to Vensim.
2. USING QUALITATIVE VARIABLES
  1. Definition and use of qualitative variables.
  2. Qualitative and quantitative environments in a model.
3. IMPORT DATA AND EXPORT RESULTS
  1. Import of current and historical data from excel.
  2. Analysis of results, and export to excel.
4. BUILDING SIMULATION GAMES
  1. Definition of the variables of a game.
  2. Creation and development of the game.
5. USING INPUT OUTPUT INTERFACE
  1. Clients Case. Output controls.
  2. Building input control.
6. MONTE CARLO SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
  1. Sales Case. Monte Carlo method.
  2. Results, variables of special interest.
PHASE IV. ADVANCED EXERCISES
1. THE FINAL PROJECT
  1. Define the problem and identify the related elements
  2. Define solutions to solve the problem to be tested
  3. Draw the Causal Loop Diagram and identify the feedbacks
  4. Draw the Stock and Flow Diagram
  5. Write the equations and the values of the parameters
  6. Simulate a first version of the model
  7. Improve the model and run new simulation
  8. Write the conclusions

COST

The total cost of the course is 1000 USD. This can be purchased online at https://vensim.com/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=59

DURATION

Most students will expect to complete the course in approximately twelve weeks. Some pauses are possible if the student justifies it for personal or professional reasons.