Assignment: Systems Dynamics Application Case Study
Overview
"System dynamics is a method for studying the world around us. Unlike other scientists, who study the world by breaking it up into smaller and smaller pieces, system dynamicists look at things as a whole. The central concept to system dynamics is understanding how all the objects in a system interact with one another" (MIT, 1997.) Note that in system dynamics, the interrelationships between components is just as important as individual components. This assignment requires you to research systems theory and apply systems theory and systems dynamics concepts to a real-world supply chain management case study.
Directions
To complete this assignment:
• Start by searching sources for "Systems Theory" and "Systems Dynamics." In particular, consider the work of Jay Forrester as seminal.
• Review the Toba, Tomasini, and Yang article you read in this unit's study activity. As you review, consider how you can apply the concepts of systems theory you located during your search to improve the organization's supply chain model.
• Write a 3-4 page paper applying systems theory and systems dynamics to the Toba et al. case to evaluate the efficacy of Kaiser Permanente's current supply chain model.
o Evaluate the supply chain's overall performance and business impact.
o Evaluate the effectiveness of the supply chain's techniques, including process management, inventory management, capacity planning, and constraint management.
o Identify which processes in the supply chain could most benefit from statistical analysis. Consider statistical tools that you have been introduced to in prior coursework. Where could you use statistical analysis to improve the performance of the organization's supply chain?
As you complete your assignment, be sure your paper meets the following guidelines:
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Reference
MIT. (1997). System dynamics.
Read Toba, Tomasini, and Yang's 2008 article, "Supply Chain Management in Hospital: A Case Study," from the California Journal of Operations Management. This case study provides a real-world example that you will use in this week's assignment to apply systems theory.