Structural Dominance Analysis and Theory Building
in System Dynamics

Christian Erik Kampmann
Copenhagen Business School
Birk Centerpark 40; 7400 Herning, Denmark
Phone +45-8662-8444; Fax +45-9629-6460
cek.ino@cbs.dk

Rogelio Oliva
Mays Business School
Wehner 301-C TAMU 4217; College Station, TX 77843
Phone 979-862-3744; Fax 979-845-5653
roliva@tamu.edu


Kampmann CE, Oliva R. 2008.
Structural Dominance Analysis and Theory Building in System Dynamics.
Systems Research and Behavioral Sciences 25(4): 505-519.

Abstract
We provide a review of different approaches to linking model structure to observed behaviour with a particular view towards using models for theory building. We argue that theory building cannot be based upon pure simulation and model building alone: the inference from system dynamics models invariably uses concepts and analogies from simple feedback systems and models. Strengthening the analytical foundation for this inference will therefore have a direct impact on the strength of system dynamics as a theory-building tool. We identify four approaches to establish this link (traditional, pathway participation, eigenvalue, and eigenvector), assess the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, and point to challenges and tasks ahead. We find that the eigenvalue and eigenvector approaches carry significant potential but that a more solid theoretical foundation of the method is required. However, since a "grand unified theory" will never be possible, all tools will be based on approximations and it is only in their practical use that we can discover their real value.
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Last updated September 27, 2017.