Although the techniques of simulations and systems analysis are often abused, they can provide a useful framework for rural development research. However since system simulation models can generate what appears to be precise data, it is well to remember that results are merely projections of what would be expected to occur if all the conditions of…

Examines the circumstances surrounding the demise of mass circulation magazines. System Dynamics methodology is applied to modeling a typical large magazine publishing company and the assumptions built into the model are tested by an empirical study of the old "Saturday Evening Post." (Author/IRT)

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)

Explores the relevance of some of the methodologies of systems engineering to problems in the social sciences, especially the dynamics of domestic and international conflict. Describes an initial exercise in modeling domestic conflict in terms of State equations. Implications for education. (Author/WM)

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…

Written for training directors and human resource developers who have had experience and now need a systematic way to plan new programs, this book presents a new way of thinking about human learning and of organizing programs which has been developed from the systems engineering field. A first chapter explains what is meant by "systems"…

A concise description of a study directed at exploring the question of whether systems analysis could be applied to educational problems. (HB)

The fifth (of 14) volume of the Education and Training Consultant's (ETC) series on systems engineering of education is designed for readers who have completed others in the series. It reviews arithmetic and algebraic procedures and applies these to simple education and training systems. Flowchart models of example problems are developed and…

A simulation model of a suburban school district is synthesized by incorporating the results of multiple regression analysis within an Industrial Dynamics framework. The intermediate empirical analysis is described and results of the validation procedure for the final simulation model presented. Three computer experiments with the system model are…

Beginning January 1, 1969, Systems Research Group (SRG) undertook a project to develop operational cost simulation models of three of the colleges of applied arts and technology in Ontario. These models, and the data needed to feed them, have been developed and are now operating. SRG describes their progress to date and identifies the remaining…

Simulation is defined and its use, as related to three types of models, iconic, analogue, and symbolic, that may be utilized in educational research is discussed. A five-step procedure is outlined that can be followed in the process of symbolic model construction. Simulation methods, based on these three models, are examined, and illustrations of…

Feedback management in an individually-paced instruction system can be mathematically analyzed by the use of computer simulation models. Because of the student "down time" or waiting time associated with individualized instruction situations, reinforcement activities have been reduced to less than ideal levels. By proper time management the…