Table 5 Limitations and challenges associated with system dynamics modelling
Limitation/Challenge | Number of studies [reference] |
|---|---|
User-related | |
 Participants needed subject-matter knowledge and familiarity with system dynamics to meaningfully participate in the modelling process | |
 Those using the model but not closely involved in the model-making process struggled to understand and trust the model and its results | |
 Significant commitment and time investment needed by participants | 1 [37] |
 Complexity of the system dynamics model may make it difficult for users to understand the details of the model and this may increase the perception that the problem is so complex that it is not feasible to tackle | |
 Potential unwillingness of participants to have their perception / beliefs about the problem (otherwise known as mental models) challenged | 1 [37] |
Technical | |
 The inclusion of subjective variables whose behaviour may be influenced by interpretation-bias | 1 [38] |
 The inherent uncertainty regarding variables and causal structures of complex problems, resulting key variables being unintentionally omitted from the model | 1 [32] |
 The inclusion of parameters whose values are unknown and cannot reasonably be estimated | 1 [32] |
 The creation of fully endogenous models of large and complex problems can result in huge ‘data hungry’ models | 1 [32] |
 The accuracy and comprehensiveness of the model depends heavily on the inclusion of an appropriate mix of stakeholders | 1 [35] |
 the complexity of the end product may result in end-users requiring a model guide in order to effectively use the model | 1 [36] |
 The model’s output did not provide specific directions for end-users, but rather showed possible future trends and relative magnitudes of impact | |
Application-related | |
 System-wide changes are difficult to implement given the often ‘siloed’ nature of public governance structures | |
 There is potential for incompatibility between the timescale of political and public decision-making and system dynamics model-building, which results in rushed and over-simplified model | 1 [37] |
 Obtaining decision-maker buy-in is difficult due to the disparity that exists between system dynamics’ goal of identifying sources of long-term success, and political processes which focuses primarily on short-term goals and outcomes | 1 [37] |