Studies of complexity using computer simulation seem to have taken philosophers of science by surprise, and within this sphere the area of [scientific] explanation is no exception. This article explores challenges and potential fruitful contributions between complexity science and philosophy regarding the epistemic notion of explanation, which turns out to be the introduction of a broad research agenda for philosophy of science.
The paper shows certain dynamics aspects of competition among firms, particularly in the biotechnology sector, using innovation networks in accordance with the sociological theory of organized action of Michel Crozier and Erhard Friedberg. Firstly it provides an overview of relevant literature on innovation and biotechnology firms. It also reviews briefly the mentioned theory which is represented in a simple System Dynamics simulation model. The sociological concepts of actor, game, and system, are examined through the lenses of the model. Basically, the model provides a ground in order to discuss, develop and test particular theoretical statements of Crozier and Friedberg and the implications of their assumptions that are not intuitively obvious. The match between these two different approaches shows a way to bridge scientific disciplines that maybe are not far away one from each other.
The aim of this paper is to build a framework of the motorcycle business
in Germany, which can be used to construct a quantitative System
Dynamics (SD) simulation model thereof. The problem to be examined is the superannuation and further aging of the motorcycle rider population in Germany and its influence on the whole market. We have chosen to concentrate on Germany - the second largest European motorcycle market - as it is representative of most other developed motorcycle markets. A Causal Loop Diagram of the problem is developed in a step by step, walkthrough fashion. A discussion of the cohort effect with propose possible levers for change are also introduced.
Since the mid 80's, Colombia has developed a full decentralisation process in order to achieve better results in local governments. However, the performance hasn't been the best. Colombia shows a worrying situation, high levels of poverty, violence, and corruption and a low quality of life. An additional element is that the Colombian decentralisation model has been dominated by an economical approach. This means that the policies have been based on statistical and econometric analysis. But it lacks a systemic view. The aim of this paper is to show how system dynamics may complement the public policy analysis in Colombia, in particular the intergovernmental and
decentralisation policy design. To achieve this purpose, the project develops a system dynamics model around the problem mentioned above, specifically its focuses in the financial transfers policy and its problems associated with it.
In a previous work the philosophical concept of Mechanism was
proposed in order to characterize the kind of scientific explanations
provided by the system dynamics approach. That earlier paper
positioned such idea epistemologically contrasting it with the
traditional view used by mainstream management research and
developed a different ontological ground based on the structuralist
approach of Bertrand Russell. However, it seems to be needed an
emphasis on the epistemological nature of the Mechanism thesis
because of its common association with reductionism and the view of
mechanistic thinking as supposedly opposed to holism and
emergentism. This paper constitutes a second part; it underlines the
epistemic status of Mechanism which explains why it is in no way
opposed to ideas like holism or emergentism, on the contrary it is
consistent with such worldviews. Based on this condition the paper
explores the repercussions of such characterization for philosophy of
science and for system dynamics by developing a research agenda for both fields around this topic.
