An Overview of Strategy and Tactics in System Dynamics Optimization

A review of the methods and purposes of optimization in system dynamics models is undertaken. It is suggested that, given the typical client set involved, an optimization strategy embracing search-based techniques is preferable to one based on optimal control methods. When conducting an optimization, various tactical problems may need to be resolved and ways of doing this are described. The resolution of the problems is independent of the particular software tool being used for search-based optimization. A range of studies is discussed and these studies both calibrate and exemplify the adoption of a search routine to optimize a system dynamics model.