Linking Action Research with System Dynamics: Towards a Generic Process Design for Participative Modelling

The process of building system dynamics models ranges from linear iterative phases to the circular iterative phases. However, while all these process designs are well known and explicit to system dynamics modellers, they are not comprehensive for participative modelling involving clients/participants without prior modelling knowledge. This paper presents a detailed modelling process design of six phases from the prevalent system dynamics modelling literature. By clearly showing activities and outcomes of each phase, the paper posits that the purpose and benefits of participative modelling are entailed within the phases and not necessarily by the outcomes only. A new phase called action planning, derived from action research process is used to emphasise clients’ contribution in participative modelling. The interplay of the six phases during modelling results into three cycles namely; problem articulation cycle, modelling proficiency cycle, and solution refinement cycle, all of which address the diversity and legitimacy of contributions by all parties.