Agent-based models combine data and theory during both development and use of the model. As models have become increasingly data driven, it is easy to start thinking of agent-based modelling as an empirical method, akin to statistical modelling, and reduce the role of theory. We argue that both types of information are important where the past is…

This paper investigates the dynamics of student enrolment in the Syrian private higher education sector. The paper adopts a system dynamics approach, to construct suitable simulation models that could be used to examine the complex and dynamic interactions between student flows, staff ratios and investments in plant and facilities. The study…

A discussion of the complex interrelationships that impinge upon the community college, and how systems development might assist in the decision-making process. (Author)

Computer simulations provide powerful models for establishing goals, guidelines, and constraints in educational planning. They are dynamic models that allow planners to examine logical descriptions of organizational behavior over time as well as permitting consideration of the large and complex systems required to provide realistic descriptions of…

Discusses application of systems analysis to social and behavioral science as well as machine and non-machine systems. Presents rationale, principles, techniques, and advantages and disadvantages. (CJ)

The development of anasynthesis--the process of analysis, synthesis, modeling, and simulation--as applied to decision making and problem solving in education and training is explored, and its future with regard to education is discussed. (RAO)

A model of the educational system in a typical public school was constructed within the theoretical framework of a general systems theory. The model is quantified and computerized so as to provide high speed simulation. Using the model developed, one can then simulate solutions to educational problems in seconds and at modest cost. The theory…

Systems dynamics, a computer-based tool for visualizing how parts of an organization work together over time, is a valuable tool in administrative decision making. Feedback loops among elements mimic complicated behavior in real or imagined situations. An experiment using the technique with a simple research funding model validated its utility.…

Recent approaches to research on moral development have considered the preeminence of situational factors in moral development and moral behavior. An open systems approach emphasizes the interactive effects of person and situation variables on moral decision-making. The interactive effects of three sets of variables on moral decision-making were…

AT THIS 1966 INSTITUTE, THE FOLLOWING PRESENTATIONS WERE GIVEN--(1) AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SYSTEMS APPROACH, A PROCESS OF PLANNING, DESIGN, DEVELOPMENT, IMPLEMENTATION, EVALUATION, AND REVISION OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM (OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE), (2) A DESCRIPTION OF MANAGEMENT AND METHOD IN THE USE OF THE SYSTEMS CONCEPT (OAKLAND COMMUNITY…

THE KEY CONCEPTS OF SYSTEM AND SIMULATION AS THEY ARE APPLIED TO TRAINING AND EDUCATION ARE DISCUSSED. THE GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MACHINE-ASCENDANT SYSTEMS THAT FACILITATE THE ORDERLY DESIGN PROCESS OF TRAINING SIMULATORS ARE PRESENTED--(1) PURPOSE OF THE SYSTEM AND LIMITS OF ACCEPTABLE HUMAN BEHAVIOR, (2) RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE…

The need for a management information system for a community college is developed. Based on this need, a system is outlined. The system and data base are modular in structure. The modules included are: (1) Student, (2) Personnel, (3) Financial, (4) Facilities, (5) Community Information. Examples of the data which are part of each module are…

Any general systems approach has five basic elements, which serve as the tasks for the researcher using systems analysis. The five are (1) the objectives, (2) the alternatives, (3) the costs, (4) the model (or models), and (5) the decision rule. With these five steps, the researcher should be able to specify the objectives, select alternatives,…

This simulation helps students in grades four to eight see their planet as one environment with limited resources shared by all. Students learn that the earth is a large system comprised of small systems, that systems are interdependent and often have irreplaceable parts, and that resources are not equally divided among countries. (RM)