The objective of this course is to develop students’ ability to analyze complex systems from a holistic perspective, model system behavior over time, and evaluate alternative policy scenarios. The course focuses on building dynamic models of socio-economic, industrial, and managerial systems using feedback loops, stock-flow structures, delays, and nonlinear relationships. Students are expected to adopt a systems thinking approach, effectively utilize simulation-based decision support tools, and develop sustainable solutions for real-world problems.
Course Content
This course contains; Course introduction, overview of systems approach, basic concepts of systems thinking,Structure and behavior of complex systems, defining system boundaries,Introduction to causal relationships and feedback concepts,Causal loop diagrams and basic analysis methods,Stock and flow concepts, modeling system structures,Development and interpretation of stock–flow diagrams,Modeling approaches and mid-term review,Midterm Exam,Dynamic behavior patterns and time delays,Simulation fundamentals and model testing methods,Model verification, validation, and sensitivity analysis,Policy design and alternative scenario studies,Application examples and selected case studies,Student work, project presentations, or general review,Overall evaluation, final studies, and course closure.
Course Learning Outcomes
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
1. Analyze complex socio-technical and managerial systems using a systems thinking perspective and interpret their fundamental structures and behavior patterns.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
2. Identify causal relationships (causal links) among system variables, determine their direction and polarity; analyze positive and negative feedback loops, construct causal loop diagrams, and explain the effects of these structures on system behavior.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
3. Translate real-world problems into mathematical and simulation-based models using stock-and-flow structures.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
4. Analyze system models through simulation, interpret dynamic behavior patterns (growth, oscillation, collapse, etc.), and evaluate results.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
5. Develop alternative policy and decision scenarios and assess their impacts on system performance comparatively.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
6. Apply system dynamics methodologies to holistically model, analyze, and propose justified solutions for complex interdisciplinary problems.
A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework, F: Project Task, G: Quiz
Course Outline
Order
Subjects
Preliminary Work
1
Course introduction, overview of systems approach, basic concepts of systems thinking
2
Structure and behavior of complex systems, defining system boundaries
3
Introduction to causal relationships and feedback concepts
4
Causal loop diagrams and basic analysis methods
5
Stock and flow concepts, modeling system structures
6
Development and interpretation of stock–flow diagrams
7
Modeling approaches and mid-term review
8
Midterm Exam
9
Dynamic behavior patterns and time delays
10
Simulation fundamentals and model testing methods
11
Model verification, validation, and sensitivity analysis
12
Policy design and alternative scenario studies
13
Application examples and selected case studies
14
Student work, project presentations, or general review
15
Overall evaluation, final studies, and course closure
Resources
Sterman, J. D. (2000). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Irwin/McGraw-Hill.
Lecture Notes
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
No
Program Qualification
Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1
Develop and deepen knowledge in the same or in a different field to the proficiency level based on Bachelor level qualifications.
X
2
Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with.
X
3
Use of theoretical and practical knowledge within the field at a proficiency level and solve the problem faced related to the field by using research methods.
X
4
Interpret the knowledge about the field by integrating the information gathered from different disciplines and formulate new knowledge.
5
Independently conduct studies that require proficiency in the field.
6
Take responsibility and develop new strategic solutions as a team member in order to solve unexpected complex problems faced within the applications in the field.
7
Evaluate knowledge and skills acquired at proficiency level in the field with a critical approach and direct the learning.
8
Investigate, improve social connections and their conducting norms with a critical view and act to change them when necessary. Communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
9
Define the social and environmental aspects of engineering applications.
10
Audit the data gathering, interpretation, implementation and announcement stages by taking into consideration the cultural, scientific, and ethic values and teach these values.
Assessment Methods
Contribution Level
Absolute Evaluation
Rate of Midterm Exam to Success
50
Rate of Final Exam to Success
50
Total
100
ECTS / Workload Table
Activities
Number of
Duration(Hour)
Total Workload(Hour)
Course Hours
14
3
42
Course Hours
0
0
0
Guided Problem Solving
0
0
0
Guided Problem Solving
0
0
0
Resolution of Homework Problems and Submission as a Report
1
36
36
Resolution of Homework Problems and Submission as a Report
0
0
0
Term Project
0
0
0
Term Project
14
2
28
Presentation of Project / Seminar
1
30
30
Presentation of Project / Seminar
0
0
0
Quiz
3
6
18
Quiz
0
0
0
Midterm Exam
0
0
0
Midterm Exam
1
28
28
General Exam
1
56
56
General Exam
0
0
0
Performance Task, Maintenance Plan
0
0
0
Performance Task, Maintenance Plan
0
0
0
Total Workload(Hour)
238
Dersin AKTS Kredisi = Toplam İş Yükü (Saat)/30*=(238/30)
8
ECTS of the course: 30 hours of work is counted as 1 ECTS credit.
Detail Informations of the Course
Course Description
Course
Code
Semester
T+P (Hour)
Credit
ECTS
MODELING and SIMULATION of HEALTH SYSTEM DYNAMICS
SSMY1216898
Spring Semester
3+0
3
8
Course Program
Prerequisites Courses
Recommended Elective Courses
Language of Course
Turkish
Course Level
Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Course Type
Elective
Course Coordinator
Assist.Prof. Engin SANSARCI
Name of Lecturer(s)
Assist.Prof. Engin SANSARCI
Assistant(s)
Aim
The objective of this course is to develop students’ ability to analyze complex systems from a holistic perspective, model system behavior over time, and evaluate alternative policy scenarios. The course focuses on building dynamic models of socio-economic, industrial, and managerial systems using feedback loops, stock-flow structures, delays, and nonlinear relationships. Students are expected to adopt a systems thinking approach, effectively utilize simulation-based decision support tools, and develop sustainable solutions for real-world problems.
Course Content
This course contains; Course introduction, overview of systems approach, basic concepts of systems thinking,Structure and behavior of complex systems, defining system boundaries,Introduction to causal relationships and feedback concepts,Causal loop diagrams and basic analysis methods,Stock and flow concepts, modeling system structures,Development and interpretation of stock–flow diagrams,Modeling approaches and mid-term review,Midterm Exam,Dynamic behavior patterns and time delays,Simulation fundamentals and model testing methods,Model verification, validation, and sensitivity analysis,Policy design and alternative scenario studies,Application examples and selected case studies,Student work, project presentations, or general review,Overall evaluation, final studies, and course closure.
Course Learning Outcomes
Teaching Methods
Assessment Methods
1. Analyze complex socio-technical and managerial systems using a systems thinking perspective and interpret their fundamental structures and behavior patterns.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
2. Identify causal relationships (causal links) among system variables, determine their direction and polarity; analyze positive and negative feedback loops, construct causal loop diagrams, and explain the effects of these structures on system behavior.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
3. Translate real-world problems into mathematical and simulation-based models using stock-and-flow structures.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
4. Analyze system models through simulation, interpret dynamic behavior patterns (growth, oscillation, collapse, etc.), and evaluate results.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
5. Develop alternative policy and decision scenarios and assess their impacts on system performance comparatively.
10, 16, 2, 6, 9
A, E, F, G
6. Apply system dynamics methodologies to holistically model, analyze, and propose justified solutions for complex interdisciplinary problems.
A: Traditional Written Exam, E: Homework, F: Project Task, G: Quiz
Course Outline
Order
Subjects
Preliminary Work
1
Course introduction, overview of systems approach, basic concepts of systems thinking
2
Structure and behavior of complex systems, defining system boundaries
3
Introduction to causal relationships and feedback concepts
4
Causal loop diagrams and basic analysis methods
5
Stock and flow concepts, modeling system structures
6
Development and interpretation of stock–flow diagrams
7
Modeling approaches and mid-term review
8
Midterm Exam
9
Dynamic behavior patterns and time delays
10
Simulation fundamentals and model testing methods
11
Model verification, validation, and sensitivity analysis
12
Policy design and alternative scenario studies
13
Application examples and selected case studies
14
Student work, project presentations, or general review
15
Overall evaluation, final studies, and course closure
Resources
Sterman, J. D. (2000). Business Dynamics: Systems Thinking and Modeling for a Complex World. Irwin/McGraw-Hill.
Lecture Notes
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
Course Contribution to Program Qualifications
No
Program Qualification
Contribution Level
1
2
3
4
5
1
Develop and deepen knowledge in the same or in a different field to the proficiency level based on Bachelor level qualifications.
X
2
Conceive the interdisciplinary interaction which the field is related with.
X
3
Use of theoretical and practical knowledge within the field at a proficiency level and solve the problem faced related to the field by using research methods.
X
4
Interpret the knowledge about the field by integrating the information gathered from different disciplines and formulate new knowledge.
5
Independently conduct studies that require proficiency in the field.
6
Take responsibility and develop new strategic solutions as a team member in order to solve unexpected complex problems faced within the applications in the field.
7
Evaluate knowledge and skills acquired at proficiency level in the field with a critical approach and direct the learning.
8
Investigate, improve social connections and their conducting norms with a critical view and act to change them when necessary. Communicate with peers by using a foreign language at least at a level of European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
9
Define the social and environmental aspects of engineering applications.
10
Audit the data gathering, interpretation, implementation and announcement stages by taking into consideration the cultural, scientific, and ethic values and teach these values.
