6.1) Introduction

Vensim offers an integrated software package that allows us to draw and simulate system dynamics models without worrying about differential equations or numerical integration algorithms. We use Vensim because it has a number of useful attributes:

• It is based on a simple diagram format that is consistent with universally used standards for causal loop diagrams (many of the figures in the last two sections were from Vensim)
• It is easy to learn and not overburdened with features
• It is free for educational and personal use

For these reasons, it is possible to learn to design, implement and simulate simple system dynamics models in just a few hours.

This course was prepared using Vensim v6.2. This is available for both Windows and Mac. To download Vensim, go here: https://vensim.com.