The training units

The Summer School will be chracterised by the following three main training activities: 

Introduction to System Dynamics: introduction to casual loop diagrams, the language and tools of SD, exercises on the use of simple SD models into applied sciences (from biology to economics)

Presentation of case studies: several case studies on the use of SD in the biological, ecological, agricultural, engineering and economic fields will be presented by the expert SD educators invited by the School. Other methodological approaches integrated with SD (agent-based model, integration of GIS and SD territorial systems) will also be presented

Realization of SD models in an applied field: students will be divided into groups and will be asked to design, implement and present their case study model in a field of their choice

The approach of this Summer School and the methodology applied to the activities that are planned during the five days will be collaborative and dynamic. The models developed by the participants will be implemented through the open-access simulation platform Silico®.
In addition, sessions will also be organized for group practice through simulations from the Systems Thinking Playbook (Booth Sweeney, Meadows) which focuses on systems thinking skills.
In order to create a model applied to the students’ fields of interest, the participants, on a voluntary basis, will be invited to send the organizers a brief description of a problem that they would like to analyse through the system dynamics approach.
In order to be able to undertake a stimulating and dynamic path, the practical exercises will be developed in mixed working groups. In this way, the Summer School will give participants the opportunity to share very different experiences and perspectives and offer a broader look at the proposed topics.

At the end of the Summer School, participants will be issued a certificate from the doctoral school of “Sustainable Agricultural and Forestry Systems and Food Security” of the University of Naples Federico II, and 6 CFU/ECTS will be recognized for the attendance.