MIT Sloan School of Management

Business Dynamics: MIT's Approach to Diagnosing and Solving Complex Business Problems

MIT Sloan School of Management

Operations

About Programme

Why attend Business Dynamics?

In a world of growing complexity, many of the most vexing problems facing managers arise from the unanticipated side-effects of their own past actions. In response, organizations struggle to increase the speed of learning and adopt a more systemic approach. The challenge is to move beyond outdated slogans about accelerated learning and “thinking systemically” to implementing practical tools that help managers design better operating policies, understand complexity, and guide effective change.

This systems thinking course provides an intensive, hands-on introduction to System Dynamics, a powerful framework for identifying, designing, and implementing high-leverage interventions for sustained success in complex systems. It has been used successfully in diverse industries and organizations, such as Airbus, Compaq, General Motors, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, and Merck. Developed at MIT more than fifty years ago by computer pioneer Jay Forrester , System Dynamics led to the creation of management flight simulators that allow managers to accelerate learning, experience the long-term side effects of decisions, and design structures and strategies for greater success.

Programme Content

In Person

Day 1

08:00AM - 08:30AM

Introduction and Course Outline

08:30AM - 10:30AM

Introduction to System Dynamics: The Beer Game

10:30AM - 12:30PM

Game Results and Discussion

12:30PM - 01:30PM

Networking Lunch

01:30PM - 03:00PM

Tools for Systems Thinking

3:00PM - 5:00PM

Feedback Loop Case: Organizational Capability

5:00PM - 6:00PM

Welcome Reception

Day 2

08:30AM - 10:00AM

Simulation Workshop: Exploring Simple Structures

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Systems Thinking Case Study

12:00PM - 01:00PM

Networking Lunch

01:00PM - 03:00PM

Modeling and Policy Design

03:00PM - 05:00PM

Modeling and Policy Design Workshop

05:00PM - 06:00PM

MIT Campus Tour

Day 3

08:30AM - 10:00AM

Case Study: Dynamics of Creating a New Industry

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Project Management Dynamics (session 1)

12:00PM - 01:00PM

Networking Lunch

01:00PM - 03:30PM

Project Management Dynamics (session 2)

03:30PM - 05:00PM

Improving Project Management

Day 4

08:30AM - 10:30AM

Climate Policy Simulator

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Airline Management Flight Simulator

12:00PM - 01:00PM

Networking Lunch

01:00PM - 03:30PM

Airline Management Conceptualization and Policy Design

03:30PM - 05:30PM

Airline Management Conceptualization and Policy Design (session 2)

05:30PM - 08:00PM

Closing Dinner

Day 5

08:30AM - 10:00AM

Systems Dynamics in Action: Tales from the Field

10:00AM - 12:00PM

Systems Dynamics in Action: The Implementation Challenge

Programme Objective

Through intensive, hands-on workshops and interactive experiments, you will explore the principles of systems thinking and practical methods for putting this approach into action. You will be introduced to a variety of tools including mapping techniques and simulation models, which you can apply to your own business environment immediately. Throughout the week, you will work in small groups and interact closely with the course leaders, MIT Sloan Professors John Sterman and Nelson Repenning.

The Beer Game

“There is no actual beer in the Beer Game,” says John Sterman. Rather, the Beer Game is a table game, developed in the late 1950s by digital computing pioneer and Sloan professor Jay Forrester. Played with pen, paper, printed plastic tablecloths, and poker chips, it simulates the supply chain of the beer industry. In so doing, it illuminates aspects of System Dynamics, a signature mode of MIT thought, including the nonlinear complexities of supply chains and the way individuals are circumscribed by the systems in which they act.

Learn more about the

in-person course experience

.

Programme Audience

Business Dynamics is designed for executives, managers, planners, strategists, and consultants who work with management teams. It also benefits administrators of public and not-for-profit organizations, management scientists, and educators.

Titles of past participants have included:

Chief Executive Officer
Vice President, Learning and Innovation
Chief Investment Officer
Decision Consultant
Manager, Continuous Improvement
Director, Forecasting and Market Intelligence
Quality and Process Director
Vice President, Performance Measurement and Management
Director of Process Management
Senior Quality and Business Excellence Consultant
Director of Programs and Strategic Planning
Manager, IT Strategy and Competencies Development
Director, Corporate Planning
Change Manager
Director, Customer Investment Program
Operations Improvement Manager
Director, Enterprise Risk Management
Professor
Director, Process Improvements Initiatives
Vice President, Global Network Services
Director, Sustaining and Process Engineering
Manager of Corporate Planning
Operations Research Analyst

The benefits of the program are reinforced when three or more participants from the same organization attend. Companies are encouraged to sponsor cross-functional team participation. Learn about our Team Discount .

Programme Benefits

MIT Approach

Explores MIT's unique, powerful, and integrative System Dynamics approach to assess and resolve complex, persistent problems that emerge from change

Interactive

Introduces the Beer Game, which simulates the supply chain of the beer industry

Tools

Presents a variety of problem-solving tools, including mapping techniques, simulation models, and MIT’s “management flight simulators” to understand the sources of persistent problems and how business decisions may result in complicated cause-and-effect loops

Certificate

Earn a certificate of course completion from the MIT Sloan School of Management

Testimonials

"The MIT Business Dynamics program fundamentally changed the way I approach complex business problems. Rather than jumping to solutions, it taught me how to diagnose the underlying feedback structures and behaviors that drive system performance. Im already applying these concepts to a real strategic challenge within my company, combining qualitative analysis with quantitative modeling to better understand the problem before designing solutions. The methodology's practical value was immediate. I highly recommend this program to executives, consultants, and anyone responsible for solving complex organizational challenges. It provides a powerful framework for seeing beyond symptoms and making better long-term decisions."

Jose P

"I found the Business Dynamics course very helpful in making well-informed, pragmatic, and effective decisions through deeper understanding of the root cause of a problem and the system in which the problem is defined. The course was taught in a very hands-on pragmatic approach, ensuring that the learners get a full grasp of the importance of systems thinking. I found the course very informative and helpful and would recommend it to everyone as effective decision making is a skill that everyone needs regardless of profession."

Arash N

"it was very useful trainings with many practical use cases"

Denys P

"thanks"

Amer A

"This course was a great addition for continued development around expanding mental models with systems thinking in how we approach and solve complex business challenges."

Derrick M

"In some moments, I found the course was in a rush and with little discussion, especially in the first days. Towards the end, I thought that some activities could be optimized."

Rafael A

"Having completed the Business Dynamics course with Prof. Sterman entirely online during the COVID pandemic, I was motivated to delve further into the subject by enrolling in the extended 5-day version of the program on campus. The experience turned out to be truly profound. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of System Dynamics, incorporating captivating case studies, a strong emphasis on simulation techniques, and practical industry examples of SD tools and practices. I highly recommend this course, as it provides immense value for individuals in leadership roles, ranging from team leaders to those in the C-suite, or anyone else interested in understanding the underlying complexities of the business or social systems in general. For those unable to travel to MIT Sloan, I still suggest taking the online version of the course to gain a solid foundational understanding of the topic. However, if the opportunity to come to campus arises, I wholeheartedly encourage you to opt for the 5-day on-campus course. Personally, I had the chance to experience both, and I found them both to be incredibly worthwhile."

Zoran L

"It was a rewarding Session. Mentally challenging but worth every minute of the time."

PAULETTE L

"- professional course - state-of-the-art lecturers and business practitioners - practical worshop with lots of flight simulator business and healthcare cases Summary: highly recommended executive course"

Jakub K

"This course should be a must for everyone. It is a truly inspiring experience over a very well designed week-long schedule which kept all of us actively engaged every minute of it. The course teaches valuable lessons completely applicable to our daily work but also to our personal lives. It helps you to broaden your perspective of things, to expand the boundaries of thinking, to get rid of established mental models which narrow our standpoints, to keep learning from each and everyone, to trust the people around you and, on top of everything, to keep you humble."

Jose Manuel F

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Contact us for the further details

Speak with an Advisor

  1. Pedagogy (case method, experiential learning, coaching, simulations)
  2. Contact Person Details

Prashansa Uttam

Programme Advisor

+91 9403890085[email protected]Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm IST

MIT Sloan School of Management

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https://mitsloan.mit.edu
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Business Dynamics: MIT's Approach to Diagnosing and Solving Complex Business Problems | MIT Sloan