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351-0541-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-USYS , D-MATL , D-MTEC , D-MAVT , D-MATH , D-PHYS

Systems Dynamics and Complexity

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. em. Dr. Frank Schweitzer
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:25:18

Abstract

1. Foundations of systems thinking, system oriented management, project management incl. critical path method2. Systmes dynamics, feedback mechanism, oscillations, epidemic models3. Non-linear dynamical systems, complex systems theory, role of control parameters

Objective

The present lecture delivers a basic understanding of the dynamics of systems. Alongside classic approaches to systems dynamics, particular emphasis is placed on quantitative tools for modelling and computer simulation of complex systems. Based in examples from project management, it is shown how the insights gained can be put into practice.

Content

The lecture has three main parts. In the first part, an overview is given of the foundations of system thinking and its history. The insights are then applied to both systems oriented management and project management. Various concepts are discussed in respect to possible systems optimizations: the problem solving cycle, project phases, bar charts, and the critical path method. The second part of the lecture introduces the dynamics of systems. Basic insights such as delays, time scales, and feedback mechanisms are used to analyse and simulate oscillations in systems. In the third part, system behavior is studied through complex systems theory. We employ mainly quantitative methods in order to study the interaction of system elements and the role of control parameters. Self-study tasks provide opportunities to deepen the understanding of the topics introduced during the course, especially with simulations in Vensim.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Slides used in the lecture are provided as annotated handouts with reference to additional literature. The handouts are made available via the homepage of the Chair of Systems Design.

Literature

Literature hints are provided in the handout.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Systems Dynamics and Complexity
  • Thu 08:15-10:00 (HG D 1.1)
  • Thu 18:15-19:00 (HG D 1.2)
  • 13.11 Date 19:15-20:00 (HG D 1.2)
  • 18.12 Date 08:15-10:00 (ETA F 5)
2 h weekly

Offered In