Slicing a complex problem for system dynamics modeling

Notes and Insights is a forum for discussion and debate about current issues in the philosophy and application of the system dynamics approach, and a marketplace for the exchange of information about current research, policy issues, and teaching experiences. Manuscripts treating material particularly suited to presentation in short form (less than 2,000 words) should be sent to Erich Zahn, Betriebswirtschaft‐liches Institut, Abt. IV, Universitat Stuttgart, Keplerstr. 17, D‐7000 Stuttgart 1, Germany. Since formal modeling requires having a model boundary encompassing finite complexity so that deductive logic is possible, complex problems must be partitioned into simpler parts before being analyzed. There are many ways to slice a complex problem but not all create partitions that keep together processes contributing to effective policy design. This paper explores ways in which a complex problem may be appropriately sliced so that the models of partitions can serve as effective tools for policy design.