UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2016/2017
EXAMINATION FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN
DATA ANALTICS/MASTER OF SCIENCE IN INFORMATION SYSTEMS
MANAGEMENT
MISM5301 MDA5303: SYSTEM DYNAMICS MODELLING
DATE: DECEMBER, 2016 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question One & ANY OTHER TWO questions.
QUESTION ONE (20 MARKS) – COMPULSORY
Discuss the following BOT graphs
In your discussion for the figure above, explain the behaviors of inventory, factory orders
as well as average orders
(8 Marks)
b) Assume that agriculture and tourism are the main local industries in the target region A
making efficient use of its rich natural environment. The graph below presents the BOT
of region A vitality, rich natural environment as well as tourist attractiveness. Explain the
Graph.
(4 Marks)
) Consider the relationship among “Rich Natural Environment”, “Tourist Attractiveness”
and “Region Vitality” using SD. Include “Sightseeing Load”, which represents the increase
in the environmental load by increase in visiting tourists, and “Resort Development” for
attracting tourists in the model. The increase of “Region Vitality” stimulates the efforts of
preservation of the natural environment. The increase in “Tourist Attractiveness” results in
the increase in “Region Vitality” results. The increase in “Rich Natural Environment”
result in the increase in “Tourist Attractiveness”.
Develop a CLD for the above scenario
(8 Marks)
QUESTION TWO (15 MARKS)
a) What is SDM? What makes it popular?
(5 Marks)
b) The practice of system dynamics and its alternatives is deeply affected by three views
that have emerged as answers. Discuss these views in your own words
(10 Marks)
QUESTION THREE (15 MARKS)
a) Systems thinking is concerned with ‘connectedness’ as well as ‘wholeness’ in problem
analysis and solving. Explain the terms in single quotes
(4 Marks)
b) Compare and contrast Soft and Hard paradigms of Systems Thinking
(4 Marks)
c) Using the following diagram,
i. Explain the difference between reinforcing and balancing loops
(3 Marks)
ii. Convert the diagram to stock and flow diagram
(4 Marks)
QUESTION FOUR (15 MARKS)
a) When discussing the process of model conceptualisation, it is absolutely necessary to
distinguish between a social system and a social Process or in system dynamics
terminology, between structure and behaviour.
In view of the above statement, explain the purpose of reference modes
(3 Marks)
b) In your own view, discuss THREE reasons why models are useful in each of the
following case
i. Military
ii. Business
(12 Marks)
