(2018) Walrave – Why, when and how to
combine system dynamics with other
methods towards an evidence based
framework
(2018) Walrave - Why when and how to combine system dynamics with other methods Towards an
evidence based framework
Introduction:
Introduction to Multi-Method Approaches: Combining research methods can enhance problem
articulation and solution development. Each method has strengths and weaknesses, like System
Dynamics (SD) models explaining complex system behavior but lacking in modeling low-level
interactions.
Limitations of SD Models: SD models face challenges in handling diverse viewpoints, validating
models, and meeting stakeholders' expectations for objective policy solutions.
Benefits of Multi-Method Approaches: Scholars are increasingly using multi-method approaches to
overcome SD modeling limitations, resulting in more comprehensive models and valid inferences.
Emerging Trends: New ways of mixing research methods are emerging in social and behavioral
sciences, management science, and philosophy, but there is limited codified knowledge in these
areas.
Need for Comprehensive Overview: While some authors have provided guidelines for combining SD
with specific methods, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of methods combined with SD,
which may discourage scholars from exploring such combinations.
Method:
Systematic Review Approach: The method adopted is a systematic review approach to identify,
analyze, and consolidate relevant sources of data. The systematic review involves three main stages:
planning, conducting, and reporting the review.
Search Process: The search process involved using the ISI Web of Science database to identify articles
related to System Dynamics combined with other methods in the domains of Management and/or
Business. Papers from specific influential journals were selected for further review to focus on
combining System Dynamics with other methods.
Inductive Approach: An inductive approach was adopted to select papers that explicitly mentioned
combining System Dynamics with other methods based on specific phrases used in the papers.
Reduction of Sample: The initial sample of 675 articles was reduced to 55 articles by applying specific
criteria and focusing on empirical problems addressed in the studies.
Findings
3.1 Which Methods are Combined with SD?
Quantitative methods: statistical, optimisation and simulation approaches, econometric
methods, agent-based modelling, and multi-objective optimisation
System methodologies: variable system modelling and soft system methodology
Other methods: grounded theory development and the social fabric matrix
3.2 When is SD combined with another method?
The document discusses the key characteristics that motivate authors to combine System Dynamics
(SD) with other methods in their research. These characteristics include the nature of the problem,
variables and their causal relationships, diversity of agents involved, and the context of the problem.
combine system dynamics with other
methods towards an evidence based
framework
(2018) Walrave - Why when and how to combine system dynamics with other methods Towards an
evidence based framework
Introduction:
Introduction to Multi-Method Approaches: Combining research methods can enhance problem
articulation and solution development. Each method has strengths and weaknesses, like System
Dynamics (SD) models explaining complex system behavior but lacking in modeling low-level
interactions.
Limitations of SD Models: SD models face challenges in handling diverse viewpoints, validating
models, and meeting stakeholders' expectations for objective policy solutions.
Benefits of Multi-Method Approaches: Scholars are increasingly using multi-method approaches to
overcome SD modeling limitations, resulting in more comprehensive models and valid inferences.
Emerging Trends: New ways of mixing research methods are emerging in social and behavioral
sciences, management science, and philosophy, but there is limited codified knowledge in these
areas.
Need for Comprehensive Overview: While some authors have provided guidelines for combining SD
with specific methods, there is a lack of a comprehensive overview of methods combined with SD,
which may discourage scholars from exploring such combinations.
Method:
Systematic Review Approach: The method adopted is a systematic review approach to identify,
analyze, and consolidate relevant sources of data. The systematic review involves three main stages:
planning, conducting, and reporting the review.
Search Process: The search process involved using the ISI Web of Science database to identify articles
related to System Dynamics combined with other methods in the domains of Management and/or
Business. Papers from specific influential journals were selected for further review to focus on
combining System Dynamics with other methods.
Inductive Approach: An inductive approach was adopted to select papers that explicitly mentioned
combining System Dynamics with other methods based on specific phrases used in the papers.
Reduction of Sample: The initial sample of 675 articles was reduced to 55 articles by applying specific
criteria and focusing on empirical problems addressed in the studies.
Findings
3.1 Which Methods are Combined with SD?
Quantitative methods: statistical, optimisation and simulation approaches, econometric
methods, agent-based modelling, and multi-objective optimisation
System methodologies: variable system modelling and soft system methodology
Other methods: grounded theory development and the social fabric matrix
3.2 When is SD combined with another method?
The document discusses the key characteristics that motivate authors to combine System Dynamics
(SD) with other methods in their research. These characteristics include the nature of the problem,
variables and their causal relationships, diversity of agents involved, and the context of the problem.
