UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2018/2019
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
DATA ANALYTICS
MDA5303 SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELING
DATE: APRIL 2019 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (20 MARKS)
(a) Define the following terms (4 Marks)
(i) Model
(ii) Simulation
(b) Compare and contrast Systems Dynamics and Systems Thinking (4 Marks)
(c) Use simple diagrams to explain the following elements of a system dynamics diagram
and their
use (8 Marks)
(i) Feedback
(ii) Stocks and Flows
(iii) Time Delay
(d) Differentiate the positive and negative feedback loops (4 Marks)
QUESTION TWO (15 MARKS)
(a) What are the common features of a systems dynamics model which makes it different
from
other approaches of studying complex systems? (2 Marks)
(b) Given below is an example of filling a glass with water
• As we fill the glass, we are watching the water level rise.
• We monitor the “gap” between the level and our goal, the “desired water level.”
• As the water approaches the desired level, we adjust the faucet position to slow the
flow of water, until it is turned off when the glass is full.
Required:
• Model a “water-regulation” system involving the possible variables and organize
them in a circle or loop of cause-effect relationships (causal loop diagram)
indicating possible negative and positive feedback loops
(9 Marks)
(c) Give the four (4) main steps followed in developing a systems dynamics model.
(4 Marks)
QUESTION THREE (15 MARKS)
(a) Given the following causal loop diagram, develop and explain an equivalent stock and
flow diagram. (5 Marks)
(b) The following two assumptions are used when evaluating flow quantities:
(i) Continuous Flow
(ii) No Random Component
Required:
Explain how each one of them works, and how they are applied in real business
situations.
(8 Marks)
(c) Why are system dynamic diagrams said to be dynamic? (2 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR (15 MARKS)
(a) Use examples to explain how the equations for stock are solved.
(7 Marks)
(b) Use diagrams to describe the four patterns of behavior for business processes.
(8 Marks)
