NEW Spring 2010 opportunity for students
Interested in applying a systems lens to issues of global import? ◊ Want to sharpen your systems thinking and consulting skills by collaborating on projects with real-world applications? ◊ Join a studio class that pairs applied work with practical frameworks grounded in the system dynamics approach!
15.875 Applications of System Dynamics: Global Challenges
Prerequisite: 15.871; Units: 3-0-6
Offered: Full semester Spring 2010 (scheduled for W 4-7 pm)
In this studio-style class, students draw on system dynamics approaches to define and investigate in depth a specific challenge or opportunity important to a client or other stakeholder. The course pairs a consulting orientation with a system dynamics framing that both guides the process and informs our analytical tools and approach.
Projects. Teams work on specific projects related to complex challenges of global import. Possible areas include climate change, diabetes, sustainability, business models for access to global health, financial sector reforms, or performance of non-profit organizations.
Projects may also build on past work from other classes. For instance, students could generate case studies or simulation models based on their G-Lab experience, along with a paper that contextualizes case specifics with a generalized problem statement and discussion. New Sector Alliance projects may also be considered.
Course design. Students work on their team projects throughout the semester, in parallel with classroom topics. We take a few weeks at the semester’s start to explore proposals, then finalize projects as students form teams, agreeing on a specific plan with their external stakeholders.
The first topical area is a practical exploration of the system dynamics method for defining and scoping a problem-driven study, including its use in business and consulting worlds. To set the global context we then survey several foundational system dynamics studies of complex, large-scale issues. For the third portion of the course, we connect to the practical by looking at relevant organizations, exploring the practices and arrangements that enable firms, civil society, or governments to address global challenges. For instance, we apply system dynamics lenses to case studies of business models and internal change initiatives. Lively discussions with guest speakers focus on real-world applications.
Course operations. Students may pick from a portfolio of project possibilities or bring their own project forward. The criteria and process for students to submit projects will be available in mid-December. Not all projects will be taken up, but we will use class sessions to generate the best pairing of teams and projects.
Every class session includes an interactive, project-related portion, devoted to peer assists, team work, or the practical application of frameworks and theories to projects.
Collaboration with partners in industry, academia, or elsewhere is a key part of the course, and many projects will have local partners. Highly-motivated teams or team members are encouraged to apply for outside-class grant and travel funding, if relevant. There is no final exam. Our once-a-week format means that teams are expected to work with external partners weekly, generating content and experiences to share in class sessions.
Many MIT students benefit from international experiences and MIT’s global connections. With 15.875, you can build on these opportunities to develop insight into a real problem in an applied project pairing a global perspective with System Dynamics’ rigorous and practical approach.
Contact Professor Sastry: sastry@mit.edu; course administrator Shiba Nemat-Nasser shiba@mit.edu