Principles of Systems

by Jay Wright Forrester

This key text on system dynamics shows by example how structure determines behavior. This book is ideal not just for managers but for anyone interested in the dynamics of urban, ecological, and other systems. It covers feedback dynamics, models and simulation, equations and computation, flow diagrams, information links, integration, and more. Reprinted in 1990.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Society, Science, Leadership

Paperback

First published December 1, 1968

Reviews

[Geoff Dean]

An excellent intro to how to analyze systems, clearly defining the elements we need to identify in any system (its stocks and flows, its boundaries, feedback loops, information flows, and time delays). The book defines the paradigm of system dynamics and thus the foundation for system thinking. First published in 1968, the language may be a bit gender-biased towards males, and the computer program it refers to (Dynamo) has been supplanted by much more user-friendly software (Vensim, iThink, Stella, InsightMaker, etc) but, if you can ignore these out-of-date elements, the basic principles the book outlines are fundamental.

[Bob]

Used as textbook by Prof. Dennis Meadows, Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College for Introduction to Systems Dynamics course, Fall 1978.

[JCR]

Classic!