System Dynamics Applications / 4 / 4.2 / 4.2.18

4.2.18 Possible Future Developments Of The Model

Accommodating increased functionality in the Charmville population model is relatively simple, as has been demonstrated. However, each change must be accompanied by comprehensive testing to ensure the model still performs correctly. Further sectors may need to be added.

We have seen that graphical inputs can be established and data values changed as required. Alternatively, the input values can be read from a spreadsheet such as created using Microsoft™ Excel.

A simple but effective way of enabling variations in input is to create a slide control for each constant of interest in the model. Then the input values can be changed as required during the simulation (this would require the simulation to be stopped at important times, or each the simulation can be stepped-through each time-step).