OPSMGT 741 : System Dynamics and Complex Modelling

Business and Economics

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

The concepts, theories and modelling tools of system dynamics are used to deal with the dynamic complexities arising from interdependencies and interactions amongst various parts and functions within organisations and societies alike. Qualitative and computer modelling are used to gain insight and to foresee the intended outcomes as well as unintended consequences of policies and strategic decisions. All aspects of organisations including HR, IT, operations, marketing and strategy are considered and their interdependencies explored.

Course Overview

The course will utilise a variety of teaching and learning approaches including, lecture/discussion, modelling workshops, and strategy laboratories. The main objective is to introduce and to reinforce a holistic approach to understand and manage business and other organisations, in a dynamic manner.

Course Requirements

Restriction: INFOSYS 740

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice
Capability 2: Critical Thinking
Capability 3: Solution Seeking
Capability 4: Communication and Engagement
Graduate Profile: Master of Commerce

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. Understand the systems paradigm. (Capability 1)
  2. Express ideas and communicate in systems terms. (Capability 2)
  3. Describe common phenomenon and identify leverages to problems using standard systems archetypes. (Capability 2)
  4. Model dynamically real world phenomenon using computer simulation. (Capability 1, 3 and 4.2)
  5. Identify underlying mental models of issues and problem symptoms. (Capability 1 and 2)
  6. Present the findings of a systemic study of real world phenomenon. (Capability 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Test 25% Individual Test
Group Project 30% Group Coursework
Final Exam 45% Individual Examination
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Test
Group Project
Final Exam
 A student must pass the final exam and the course overall to be eligible to pass the course.

Workload Expectations

This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.

For this course, you can expect 2 hours of lectures/labs, 4 hours of reading and contemplation about the content and 4 hours of work on assignments and/or test and exam preparation per week.

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including lectures and labs to complete components of the course.

Lecture recordings will be prepared and made available (if the technology permits). 

The course will not include regularly scheduled live online events.

Attendance on campus is required for the test. You need not be present on campus for the Final Exam.

The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

There are no prescribed/recommended textbook for this course. Readings and/or handouts may be distributed in class. You are advised to familiarise yourself with the class material before lectures in order to facilitate discussions.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

Information received about the course's contents, structure, and delivery will be considered for continuous improvement purposes in the current and future semesters.

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption, we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and course assessment continues to meet the principles of the University’s assessment policy. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator/director, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the university website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.