Using a system dynamics approach for identifying and removing management model inadequacy
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss how system dynamics (SD) modeling can help in cases where the management models used by an organization are not adequate for the task at hand.
Design/methodology/approach
Two specific cases of management model inadequacy are discussed in this paper – namely management model obsolescence and management model inappropriateness. Each of the two cases is being demonstrated with the use of a specific practical case study. SD simulation models have been constructed based on a more comprehensive view than the ones used at the outset in order to come up with more robust and reliable management models, which were appropriate to the situations at hand. The cases conducted were exploratory in the tradition of action research and the findings are preliminary.
Findings
The inadequacy of prior management models was demonstrated by the superior results obtained – as derived from the SD models – if more appropriate management models, leading to new value potentials, were used.
Practical implications
The use of complete systems models prevented the organizational obstacles hindering the assessment of management models used for their adequacy. The paper is addressed primarily to the academic research community; however, the findings are of interest to practitioners as well.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the research on management models, and the use of SD in organizations more generally.
Keywords
Citation
Ambroz, K. and Derencin, A. (2010), "Using a system dynamics approach for identifying and removing management model inadequacy", Kybernetes, Vol. 39 No. 9/10, pp. 1583-1614. https://doi.org/10.1108/03684921011081187
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited