Modeling System Dynamics

In this talk, we will be exploring the benefits of using simulation as a tool for gaining insight into complex system behaviour, primarily for the purpose of making well-informed decisions.

In particular, we will be looking at the general use of system dynamics modelling to represent and study anything from technical systems to social systems. The importance of incremental model testing and validation will be covered, as well as the pitfalls of cutting corners.

Key points will be illustrated with practical examples spanning a range of problems from the very concrete to the rather abstract in order to demonstrate the general applicability of the tools and how their use can deliver unexpected insights.

Marco’s professional experience, built over almost 30 years of working with clients in North America, Europe and Southern Africa, spans diverse roles in the aerospace, automotive, defence and energy industries.

For example, as Systems Engineer Marco was involved in the initial conceptual development and technology transfer assessment of a sample handling and analysis system intended to receive and analyse material returned to Earth on Nasa’s Mars Sample Return Mission.

Marco also spends significant time consulting in the Oil & Gas and Energy industries providing system and component design support, conducting failure investigations, providing technical expertise in legal disputes, validating system designs, and developing analysis methodologies for complex fluid-mechanical simulations.

More recently, Marco has been working on the thermomechanical design of optical terminals for inter-satellite communications.

• Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (University of Pretoria, South Africa,1993).

• Masters Degree in Engineering and Management (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA 2002), with a focus on Systems Architecture, Systems Engineering, and System and Project Management.

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