PARTICIPATORY MODEL BUILDING & ANALYSIS

We employ the tools of Group Model Building (GMB) and Participatory System Dynamics Modelling (PSDM) to investigate, validate, and communicate our modelling insights and uncertainties to our clients. We create safe spaces of dialogue to reason about the results of our models and determine field data collection priorities.

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Participatory approaches enable us to tap into the mental databases Jay Forrester referred to in his work as being far larger than recorded numerical and textual data. Thus, participatory approaches are indispensable for model validation, a social and conversational process rather than a strictly objective, algorithmic one.

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All system Dynamics models are assessed with respect to their intended purpose, policy scope, and overall consensus of relevant stakeholders that the model is “useful”, rather than “correct”.

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At Magnum Opus Consulting, we emphasize inclusiveness in our stakeholder group(s). We believe that inclusiveness in model validation promotes communication, consensus-building, and ultimately commitment to the recommendations of the modelling exercise and results.